Tuesday, September 19, 2017

J/24 European Championship Preview

J/24s sailing Hungary- Lake Balaton (Lake Balaton, Hungary)- Founded in 1867, the Balatonfüredi Yacht Club (BYC) was the first sailing club in Hungary located on beautiful Lake Balaton.  The BYC is also one of the oldest sailing clubs in Europe and continues to be the most successful and prestigious sailing club in Hungary. Located right in the center of Balatonfüred, the club plays a key role in the youth development and talent management,

The BYC is proud to be able to host the 2017 J/24 European Championship on the gorgeous waters of its lake.  The regatta is taking place from September 24th to October 1st.  The local J/24 Hungarian fleet is enthusiastic and excited to be supporting the event.

The goal is to host a ten-race championship for the forty-seven teams registered for the event.  Eight countries are represented, including Great Britain (1), Germany (19), Greece (2), Hungary (19), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), Sweden (2), and USA (1).

Many top crews in Europe that are not participating in the J/24 World Championship being held in Port Credit, ONT, Canada virtually the same week will be looking to take home the European crown.  Amongst the top German teams will be Lars Hager’s PFAU, Stefan Karsunke’s Sullberg, Frank Schonfeldt’s HENK, Emily Kern’s ROTOGIRL (an all-women’s team), Manfred Konig’s VITESSE, and Dan Frost’s JJ-ONE.

The host fleet from Hungary has a number of championship caliber teams, like Peter Tamas’ JUKEBOX, and Erik Hercsel’s DJANGO.  Ironically, perhaps Hungary’s most famous sailor, Farkas Litkey, will be sailing a combined Italian and Hungarian team on PELLE NERA/ ST JAMES.  From Sweden are two very strong crews; Per-Hakan Persson’s FRONT RUNNER and Andreas Olovsson’s FOR FUN (PINK).  Finally, a past “European Champion” will be a serious consideration for the top of the leaderboard- America’s Keith Whittemore from Seattle, WA sailing the familiar FURIO.  For more J/24 European Championship sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.