10.8 Fixing and tweaking. When there are no sailings on the day of the race there are however things to do in the ”pit”. Fellow competitors helping each other is one of the best features of the Lightning-community.
10.8 Races adjourned. Day Three of the races started in less amiable weather with strong and gusty winds. First notice was races adjourned with two hours. After some time it was apparent that there would be no races today. Photo: Erik Hartman.
9.8 Sailing At Its Best. There were some shifts in the wind direction that resulted in a need to relocate the track buoys. Nevertheless perfect sailing weather with brisk winds that gave the fleet some speed on track. Four races were sailed on day two.
9.8 Unfortunate Event. Solina and ELF took some unfortunate turns and crashed into each other. Solina got badly damaged and had to head to home port. ELF got DSQ. Photo: Petri Kokko.
9.8 Racing Day Two. The day started in warm and sunny weather and turned into a perfect day for sailing. A happy event just before heading out on the water was when a Kotka city official brought a Greek flag to raise up on the flagpole. What a flag!
9.8 On Water Snack Buffet hosted a nice unofficial morning meeting with coffee and a good selection of snacks provided by our sponsor HoviRuoka. Not a bad way to get started. Photo: Jarno Karjalainen
8.8 Evening Get Together at Marina Cafe Laituri. Photos taken during the day were shown on a screen while DJ Papat ie honorary commodore Ari Pulkkinen entertained the crowd with some chill music.
8.8 The First Start. After some shifting wind and technical problems with timing clocks it was finally a successful start. In the first start Laura Pesola and crew were the first at the finishing line, well done! (Photo is excerpt from live stream video)
8.8 Getting Ready. The first day of the races started in gentle, warm weather. After collecting the lunch snacks from the buffet it was off to sea. Photos: Johanna Van Wonterghem
7.8 The Opening Ceremony. The Lightning European Championship opening ceremony was held at the Maritime Centre Vellamo. Photo: Tiina Mertanen
7.8 Name giving party. Forte II got ”officially” named today. Skipper Esko Aalto and crew arranged a party with some sparkling wine. Congrats!
7.8 Trophy arrived from Greece. The historical Challenge Cup is now ready and waiting for its next destination.
