ICOYC News

13 Member Clubs Battle in Inaugural ICOYC E-Sailing Team Race Challenge

This spring, ICOYC launched its first-ever e-sailing challenge. Many clubs showed great interest, and ultimately 13 clubs joined in the event despite the challenges of racing together while in different time zones.

In the group round, the top four clubs from each division went on to a knockout round. The races were incredibly tight and fun, with lots of position changes during the races. In a group consisting of mainly European clubs, Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club managed to come out on top and won the semifinals against Royal Swedish Yacht Club, giving them a spot in the finals.

Daragh, skipper of Royal Cork Yacht Club said that e-sailing was, “A way to make new friends, connect with e-sailors and have very competitive racing. It was very enjoyable and we look forward to meeting some of these new friends both on the water and online in 2022. Looking forward to the next one!”

In a group of international competitors, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron came out on top just ahead of Royal Canadian Yacht Club, with plenty of close racing. Between the two there was a 12-hour time difference – literally racing against each other from opposite sides of the planet.

“A great experience connecting with e-sailors around the world! Terrific competitive spirit! Looking forward to the next edition,” said Keith, skipper of Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

In the big final, Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron had a close battle for the win, with Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club coming out as the first winner of ICOYC E-Sailing Team Race Challenge!

“It was very cool to see two Swedish teams making it to the semifinals — that shows that we have some really skilled e-sailors,” said Joakim, skipper of Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club.

In the petite final, Royal Canadian Yacht Club and Royal Swedish Yacht Club were in close competition with lots of swapping of positions during the races. In the end, Royal Swedish Yacht Club managed to get out just ahead and claimed bronze!

“The team race challenge was a very fun and easy way of racing with our friends and connecting with the other clubs around the globe! Next year we will be back and go for the gold…” said Mathias, skipper of Royal Swedish Yacht Club

FULL ICOYC E-SAILING RESULTS:

The regatta was run by a team of Lukas Mohr and Carl Erik Kjaersgaard from Royal Danish Yacht Club and Christian Harding and Patrik Salén from Royal Swedish Yacht Club.

For all of you that want to practice for the next edition, please join the game via https://www.virtualregatta.com/en/inshore-game/ .