Nordic Folkboat International Regatta 16th - 22nd September 2022

When we first looked at hosting the Sessan Cup in Lymington, we were worried that late September might prove to be too windy. Usually at this time of year we get equinoxial gales coming in from the Atlantic.

The gales seem to have now arrived this week. On Monday it was blowing 33 knots in Christchurch Bay, with a cold 13C northerly. Tuesday, it was still gusting at 29Knots, and the prospects for later this week do not look good!

However, last week, the Regatta was held in mostly light winds with lots of sunshine. Indeed, last Tuesday, racing had to be cancelled for lack of wind, what a difference a week can make! On Wednesday racing was held in the West Solent due to the light winds.  Otherwise we managed to race in the excellent waters of Christchurch Bay.

The racing proved to be very tactical in the prevailing light conditions, with some major wind shifts over the mile long Windward/Leeward courses. As a general rule, the Danes managed to show us how to get the best from a Nordic Folkboat in these conditions.They occupied most of the top positions in the final scores.

Congratulations to all our winners:

Walcon Cup winner - Rio, Anders Sunke
UK National Champion winner - Double OO, Simon Osgood
Sessan Cup winners Emma -  Jens Thuroe   and Cirkeline – Soren Kaestal

The visitors were very impressed with the Royal Lymington YC  and praised the hospitality of the Club. One of our visitors was very complimentary about the Wednesday Junior Sailing, which he happily observed from the balcony.

Our thanks got to Simon Van de Byl and his race team, and all the other volunteers who made the regatta such a success.

We also thank our prime Sponsor, Spencers of the New Forest, together with support from Walcon Marine, Lymington Yacht Haven, SO  Resource Management and Folkboats UK.

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