J/70 German Open: Close victory for Michael Grau

July 7, 2021
Sailing

For three days the conditions were perfect for the J/70 sailors participating in the Warnemünder Woche played their German Open. However, on the fourth and final day of racing there was no wind.

There were no changes in the classification today compared to the previous day. The victory went to Michael Grau from Hamburg and his international crew, consisting of the Briton Gerry Mitchell, who has already taken part in three Volvo Ocean Races and won several Farr 40 world championship titles, the Australian professional sailor David Chapman, Sailing- Champions League winner from 2019, and the Hamburg sailor Florian Thoelen. Michael Grau stood up for the North German Regatta Association, just like his clubmate Carsten Kemmling, editor-in-chief of the sailing portal segelreporter.com, who finished tied for second place. Kemmling and Grau had been in a constant neck-and-neck race throughout the eight races and alternated in the overall lead on days. The big decision was ultimately not made due to the calm today. Kemmling said after the award ceremony: “It was of course a great shame that we couldn't compete today, especially because we were tied on points with the winners. But all in all we had great days in Warnemünde with a variety of conditions.”

The Eckernförder crew around Julius Braun-Dullaeus came third, seven points behind. Helmswoman Johanna Meier's team from the Warnemünde Academic Sailing Club finished the German Open in fourth place, eight points behind third place. “We are very happy with fourth place. We would have only wished for a few more races today. Otherwise it has Warnemünder Woche showed her best side again,” said 25-year-old Meier.

The event was originally planned as a German championship, but this would have required 25 participating boats. However, only 16 crews came to Warnemünde, which is why the regatta was downgraded to a German Open. The main reason for the low number of registrations was the sailing Bundesliga event taking place at the same time, which is being held on the J/70, which is why the sailors had to make a decision. “The clash of dates is a great shame for the class,” said Peter Ramcke, sports director and main race director Warnemünder Woche. However, Ramcke was still satisfied: “I’m looking forward to welcoming the J/70 sailors back to Warnemünde! The J/70s had great racing and the class is fantastic.”