back to overview Sevenstar Contest Cup 2015 great success
In perfect sailing conditions, the first weekend in June saw an impressive fleet of 32 Contest yachts gather in Medemblik for the 12th edition of the annual Sevenstar Contest Cup, a fine combination of racing and touring attracting a broad range of Contest owners from eager competitor to casual cruiser.
Assembled in the old harbour, the fleet presented a wonderful view of the history of Contest Yachts with the collective including the first ever and also smallest Contest, the Contest 25 Nijntje, right through to the yard’s largest, the sleek superyacht styled Contest 72CS Caramel, with pleasingly in the middle four our latest launch, the Contest 42CS, Stella Maris, Tessa, Ernesto and Beluga.
For the racing contingent, two classes, above and below 40ft, competed in five races across the two sailing days. With the mix of experience on the start line, and in a brisk but sunny 17-22 knot south-westerly, racing was courteous but still very keen.
In the bigger > 40ft Class, Antonio Hammerstein on Contest 42CS Stella Maris took 1st with a very respectable 1,3,2,2,2. Peter Beevers’ Contest 57CS settled in 2nd having notched an excellent 3,1,1,3 but suffering a setback to 6 in the final race. Third place went to the Morris’s Contest 42CS Tessa, impressively, just three days after taking delivery. One to watch in the future then!
In the smaller
But it’s all well natured and in the spirit of fun, as was clear from the party mood each night with the almost 170 crew enjoying the delights of the Brasserie De Twee Schouwtjes and Café Brakeboer with the charismatic host Jack Brakeboer, renowned for his regional dishes and endless good cheer! Throw in a good band and a lively time was assured!
While by day as the racers chased around their marks, the touring group faced more leisurely challenges from a gentler rounding of a laid course and photographic competition which suited the younger family boats particularly well. Temptation scan step in though as newcomers to the event Rob van Eekeren and family discovered. Sailing their Contest 43 Marilou the first day with two-year-old grand daughter and three-month-old grandson aboard, life was at a comfortable pace. Day two though the kids were ashore and the grandparents went racing, notching a good 10th and 7th! New also was Sjaak Wijma, sailing only the Saturday and expecting to sail the recreational tour but persuaded to join the racing with the Contest 38 Seaport twice scoring 4th before a further climb to 3rd.
For regulars and newcomers alike, the Contest Cup is an excellent chance to meet and mingle with a whole mix of folk with a singular passion, their Contest Yachts… and it’s our pleasure to bring you all together. Until next year… fair winds, good sailing!
