Michal Polanowski (POL-16) has successfully kicked off the 2003 season. Currently the worlds’ best competitor in the Espoir division (under 22), won without appeal the traditional, already fifteenth Semaine Nautique de Schoelcher 2003 regattas on Martinique. The regatta took place between 28.02 – 05.03.2003 and besides top French competitors such as: Yannick Renard(FRA-83), Gerard Pellau(FRA-17), Remi Vila(FRA-7) taking part, there were also several well-known foreign competitors. Apart from Michal, starting were also Brain Roegild(DEN-173) and Jesper Vesterstorm(DEN-111).
Here’s Michals’ update of the event:
“We had great conditions for the races to take place and in result there was as many as ten. A few of the guys were already racing with new sails. Brain sailed with the new Gaastra, whilst Jesper and Gerard with new Neilprydes. Throughout the whole event I used the same sail – 11.0 RS Racing, which after the last season had stretched slightly and I had to pull it over the mast by 8 cm more than last year; luckily it held for the entire event :).
The first day of the races brought a light breeze, but shifty, blowing from about 7 to 15 knots, so that most racers used 11.0m sails.
The local Patrice Poirrez(FRA-181) sailed really well tactically and overtook me on the last tack in the first race. The wind often changed direction which gave way for unexpected results. Hence, the second race was won by Brian, who before the last tack was 6th but having turned in the right place was able to sail over the finishline, first. I, unfortunately, was late for the start in that race, but still managed to finish at 7th place. The following course turned out much luckier for me, and I won it with a big difference.
The next day the wind was much stronger, 10-16 knots, and, of course, the weather was beautifully sunny. Even though I made use of a sunblock with UVA protection 100, the sun still made its mark. That day I was feeling a bit more confident and except for unsuccessful starts I managed to overtake the lead and take the following 1st, 2nd, 1st places. Thanks to the discard of 7th place, after two days of regatta, I was already at 1st place with a big overbalanced point difference. That day Brian was also doing very well taking the following 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. For Brian it was already his second start at this place , so he knew it and the changes of wind well.
The last day brought the strongest wind and luckily stable wind, it blew at 15-20 knots. Some of the competitors sailed with smaller sails, e.g. Yannik used a 9.8 and it may have been a good choice as he then took up the following 4th, 2nd, 1st, 2nd places. I was sailing really well that day. I won three races and finished one at 2nd place. Brian, was doing a little worse than the day before, but thanks to his point from the previous days was able to hold 2nd place in the final results. The 3rd place in the final classification was taken by Martinique inhabitant, Yannick Renard.
I’m very happy I managed to win the first regatta of the season, because it means I’ve worked good through winter and am well prepared. I hope, that in future events this year, I’ll be able to show what I’m made for”.
Results from the event can be found on: http://www.cnschoelcher.com/navg.php?page=semaine_nautique.htm>
