A SIREN CALL ON THE SHORES OF MEDEMBLIK
It was an 8th that did them in. Bram, Gijs and Rudi (311) had it practically sewn up. Reinier, Pim and Marc (345) did not (want to?) see it coming. The possibility of a fight “down to the wire” needed assuaging and in doing so, Reinier cs underestimated Bram’s chances with that super, rock solid score of which that 8th, proved to be the “icing on their cake”. Instead they “listened” to the silken song of a Siren! “Stop counting boys, it’ll all be roses for you guys tomorrow”. Yet, Reinier would have had to at least match that 8th or better. And also a finish of Bram better than 8th would again have to at least be matched by Reinier cs. With those fluky winds no done deal.
Somehow those Siren’s did not want me to witness the unfolding of this drama and blew us way ahead of the fleet with Gerard (318) in first and having both of us run for the crane. As this drama unfolded behind us, both Bram and Reinier struggled with the fleet and the wind. Still not fully aware of the leering danger, Reinier came in 9th ending up one point short of Bram, in 15th. On our way to the crane I imagined hearing, though ever so faintly, a strange sound. It sounded, I am sure now - and I am not making this up - like a Siren’s chuckle…
Later, Pim confessed that he should have gauged their options more carefully. What valuable lessons here, and not in the least from Pim’s gracious confession.
But then again just think of it - all those possibilities of things going wrong. Three people and do they match? All that gear and will it hold and is it tuned for the best speed? All that preparing, scheming, traveling, arranging, planning with families, hopefully in agreement with that silly hunt for glory. And the cost! All that and then - one point short? Djeeez!
The wind, mostly fluky at times, made those first beats feel very long. It caused Bram and Gijs (311) to beg in concise but very convincing and “carrying” language to shorten the course as they were leading, but suffering, seeing the competition drift away from them.
The fine team of Gerard, smart Jan Bakker and son Dominique (318) were ever so present, showing off some cunning pin-end starts, thereby often leading the fleet to the first mark. Last year’s winning team of Mark Neelemans, Gerard van der Krogt and Pieter van Reeuwijk (373) in a fine Doomernik boat showed off one of his typical, sterling series. However, this time around not in the royal, grandiose way we had come to expect from him. Nevertheless he did lend that extra edge to our regatta. Jaap Bakker, an “old hand at the game” also sailed an almost new Doomernik to a 5th after a very long absence, showing astounding speed.
This regatta, too, was a selection for our upcoming Worlds in September and was well organized as expected in our nice Medemblik Regatta Centre. However, a 15 minute limit after number one is decidedly too short and left many a team “out in the cold” - wondering. Also would it be nice to give a signal of sorts for yachts crossing the finishing line. Still much nicer would be for some competitors to show a lot more respect for our sailing rules, at times. The gods wouldn’t mind that, I am sure.
*A Siren or Sirens (Greek mythology): Each of a number of women or winged creatures whose singing lured unwary sailors onto the rocks.
July 2009
Heike Blok