Remember Crew Work?
NORTHERN LIGHT the S&S 12 meter from 1938 Image-Gilles Martin-Raget
The 2024 12mR World Championship, wrapped up in the Porquerolles last weekend. This small island group is located just south of Port d’Hyères, a famous sailing destination in the south of France. Yes, of course it’s more rich old men playing with their toys… but at least the toys are beautiful and sailing them requires teamwork, physical skill and perhaps a little bravery. I can’t help thinking this sort of regatta throws a long shadow over the other event that will be happening only 215nm to the south west beginning in eight week’s time. And as a added bonus there was a nice little antipodean flavour with an Aussie boat taking out the Grand Prix division ahead of three other antipodean 12s and three European boats.
From the 12 Meter worlds website..
PORQUEROLLES, FRANCE (June 22, 2024) –Fourteen International 12Metre Class yachts raced at the 12 Metre World Championship organised by the Yacht Club de Porquerolles.
Although a strong mistral (22-36 knots) prevented racing today; the required six races were completed and the 2024 12mR World Champions have been named in the Vintage and Grand Prix Divisions– they are Northern Light (US-14) and Kookaburra II (KA-12).
“Despite challenging weather conditions, the Race Committee did a superb job. Even with two “no sail” days; they were able to run the necessary six races needed to qualify the 12mR World Championship.” ~ Chris Winter, ITMA President
In the closely contested Vintage Division, Hans Eliasson’s (SW) Northern Light (US-14), skippered by Magnus Holmberg scored just 9pts. to edge out Thomas Müller’s (DE) Jenetta (K-1) and Christoph Avenarius’ (DE) Nini Anker (N-15) who claimed 2nd and 3rd place with 10pts. and 11pts. respectively.
“We are very proud to be world champions! When we bought the boat five years ago, our goal was to win the 2024 world championship and it’s done here in Porquerolles, we’re really happy.” ~ Hans Eliasson, owner Northern Light (US-14)
Image-Gilles Martin-Raget
The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the VINTAGE Division were:
Flica II (K-14), Christopher Bunning, BVI
Jenetta (K-1), Thomas Müller, DE
La Spina (I-1), Michael Creach, IT
Nini Anker (N-15), Christopher Avenarius, DE
Northern Light (US-14), Hans Eliasson, SW
Thea (D-1), Robert de Haer, DE
Vim (US-15), Patrick Howaldt, DN & Helmuth Henning, HK
Olin Stephens 1939 design no.279 VIM which spent time in Sydney harbour as the trial horse for GRETEL in 1960. Image-Gilles Martin-Raget
In the Grand Prix Division; Patrizio Bertelli’s (IT) Kookaburra II (KA-12), skippered by Torben Grael (BR) sailed away with the 12mR Grand Prix Division Championship by winning all six of the races. Kiwi Magic (KZ-7) and French Kiss (F-7) finished in 2nd and 3rd place; moving both up in the Coupe de France Series leaderboard.
“This victory is the result of a lot of work by the team. We prepared, had good sails, and thanks to Mr. Bertelli we had an outstanding crew. It was great to sail with my friend Santi (Santigo Lange) for the first time, my great friend Marcelo (Marcelo Ferreira) who was my teammate for 25 years and my son too, it was a great experience for us.” ~ Torben Grael (BR), skipper, Kookaburra II (KA-12).
The 2024 12mR World Championship Competitors in the GRAND PRIX Division were:
Crusader (K-24), Richard Matthews, UK
France (F-1)*, Marc Bonduelle, FR
French Kiss (F-7), Christophe Babule, FR
Kiwi Magic (KZ-7), Christoffer Blach Petersen, DN
Kookaburra II (KA-12), Patrizio Bertelli, IT & Torben Grael, BR
Kookaburra III (KA-15), Jesper Banks, DN
South Australia (KA-8), Yann DelPlace, FR
“It is a great pride for the Porquerolles Yacht Club to have hosted the 12m JI world championship. The line-up was exceptional with the presence of legendary sailors. The races were intense, with difficult weather conditions for everyone. We are very lucky to have an extraordinary team of volunteers at the club, nothing would be possible without them! “ ~ Aurélie Lhuillier, Director of the Porquerolles Yacht Club.