News about Open Laser Championships 1997

THE OMAN INTERNATIONAL LASER CHAMPIONSHIPS
18-19 September 1997
LOCATION: Ras Al-Hamra Boat Club.
The 1997 Oman Laser Association’s championships sponsored by KLM, and sailed off the Ras Al Hamra Boat Club last weekend was won this year by Erik Dalhuijsen, with Neil Dunkley and Andre Sombekke taking 2nd and 3rd places respectively. This year’s races were hotly contested and the first day of racing proved not only tough on boats but physically demanding for the helmsmen alike under the windy monsoon conditions which prevailed. Four races were successfully completed under the management of race officer Brian Hooper and a variety of courses were set. The first two races were of the normal Olympic style and the latter two were sailed in a very tight configuration which demanded very slick boat handling in the increasing windy conditions. Breaking waves assisted in exciting downwind sailing and it was very important to take full advantage and use the waves to surf on to increase boat speed and stay up with the leading bunch.


After two races Dalhuijsen and Koelemij each had a win to their credit and the stage was set for an exciting series. However luck was not to go Koelemij’s way and he retired from the 3rd race after a rule infringement with Sven Kramer. This opened up the results sheet giving those sailors with consistent placings an opportunity to take the crown.
After four races the results were fully established with all to count, as sadly Fridays wind conditions were too fickle to stem the tide set up by the autumn equinox despite two attempt to sail.
OLA would like to thank its sponsors - KLM, Western Atlas and Saipem for their generosity in assisting with the event. Compliments also to fabulous Desert Storm who gave one of their best ever performances on Thursday evening.

The Prize winners were as follows:
1st: Oman National Laser Champion - Erik Dalhuijsen
2nd: Neil Dunkley
3rd: Andre Sombekke
4th: Sven Kramer
First Omani: Said Al-Balushi.
First Lady: Sandra Fountain.
Best Beginner: Chris Bruijnzeels.
Raffle Winner: Rashid Al-Mauri.