Europe: National Events: photos and summaries

Kid Race Viry Chatillon FR May 2008

Kid Race Viry Chatillon FR May 2008

The Kid Race IDF, held at Viry Chatillon from 24-25 May, showed that there is a strong Open BIC development under way on the lakes in the centre of France. While not traditionally recognised as a sailing area, the lakes surrounding Paris enjoy great sailing conditions and are home to an enthusiastic and strong sailing community.

The first Saturday afternoon was scheduled as a training and familiarisation session for the 10 participants as most were new to the O'pen BIC. Despite the stormy summer weather, the sailors quickly adapted to and appreciated the short races, multiple starts, "stand-up" legs, 360° exercises, and follow the leader courses... Gusts of up to 6-8 knots of wind allowed everyone to truly appreciate the planing potential of the boat, and we lost count of the number of different races we made in just one afternoon!

The following day it was back to the more traditional triangle courses as the official Central League Racing got underway. The O'pen BIC fleet grew to 16 and 4 races were completed in the sunshine and light winds of 0-5 knots. This is not including the impromptu "freestyle expression session" that took place while waiting for the wind before the first race... The move of the day being the tack around the front of the mast!

Many thanks go to the Club Nautique de Viry Chatillon, and the various members of the FFV Central League that supported and helped the smooth running of the event. It looks very positive for the development of future events in this area... and next year's Kid Race IDF is already booked for the weekend of 8-9 May 2008... see you there!!