Light Vessel Race - Zeebrugge: 4-6 September, 2009

Hold course for the Light Vessel Race!

The wind was up during the 4th leg of the Longtze European Tour. The teams hoisted their sails beneath leaden skies before the sun finally came out on Sunday afternoon for the last event of the weekend. These changeable weather conditions did not put a dampener on the teams battling it out on the water who were able to prove their technical capabilities and coordination.

Indeed, the competition was a close one, performances of an excellent quality and the atmosphere amicable throughout.

The results and photos can be found at the end of this report.

 The ultimate winner, namely the team captained by German skipper Eckhard Kaller (Wet Feet), was only decided in the final stretch. They came in ahead of Nicolas Bérenger (Kone Monospace) who took second place. Luc Gelusseau, skipper of the Lufthansa Longtze Team, confirmed that the team had put in a top performance. He finished in the leading trio, taking 3rd place. His team is currently in third position in the overall classification, just three points behind the leader.

The final leg, which will take place 16-18 October, 2009 on unpredictable Lake Constance in Switzerland is therefore eagerly anticipated. Everything rests on this final event of the Longtze European Tour before a fantastic closing party can be enjoyed!

Classification for the Light Vessel Race in Zeebrugge in Longtze Premiers:

1. Eckhard KALLER (Switzerland) – BROKER LINE 3 – 12 points
2. Nicolas BERENGER (France) – KONE MONOSPACE – 10 points
3. Luc GELLUSSEAU (France) – LUFTHANSA – 9 points
4. Erwan TABARLY (France) – ATHEMA – 8 points
5. Andreas BEINZ (Germany) – BROKER LINE – 7 points
6. Arthur LEVAILLANT (France) – KONE MAXISPACE – 6 points
7. Patrick DEMESMAEKER (Belgium) – BEL 807 – 5 points
8. Guillaume FLORENT (France) – LONGTZE RACING – 4 points
9. Florian DRTINA (Netherlands) – NED 810 – 3 points
10. Jacques VAN DEN HEUVEL (Netherlands) – ANCRE DE CHINE – 2 points

Overall classification for the Longzte European Tour after four events:

1. Nicolas BERENGER (France) – KONE MONOSPACE
2. Eckhard KALLER (Switzerland) – BROKER LINE 3
3. Luc GELLUSSEAU (France) – LUFTHANSA
4. Erwan TABARLY (France) – ATHEMA
5. Andreas BEINZ (Germany) – BROKER LINE
6. Guillaume FLORENT (France) – LONGTZE RACING
7. Ariane PROVOST / Stéphane CHRISTIDIS (France) - ECOLE NAVALE
8. Arthur LEVAILLANT (France) – KONE MAXISPACE
9. Ronan TREUSSART (France) – FINISTERE COURSE AU LARGE
10. Jacques VAN DEN HEUVEL (Netherlands) – ANCRE DE CHINE
11. Marc EMIG (France) – LONGTZE RACING
12. Patrick DEMESMAEKER (Belgium) – BEL 807
13. Heiko FALCH (Germany) – LA JAUNE
14. Florian DRTINA (Netherlands) – NED 810
15. Ivo MARCONI (Monaco) – INCENTIVE CONCEPT

A few photos from the regatta: