Rosebowl Laser Regatta: 1999

29-30 April 1999, Ras Al Hamra Boat Club.

 

Rosebowl Regatta sailed in light winds

Local sailors did well in the Laser Rosebowl Regatta held last weekend from the beach of the Ras Al Hamra Recreation Club. Dutchman Bart van Reij narrowly beat his fellow club member Sven Kramer. He finished at the head of the fleet of 19 boats and received the 15 year old Rosebowl trophy. 

The races were characterised by deceptive currents and light and frequently shifting winds. This made for some exciting races with the boats changing position at every buoy. The races were hotly contested with several protests after the first race. These spoiled light weather sailor Dirk Kramer’s aspirations for the Regatta. 

Van Reij and Sven Kramer won a race each on Thursday, with Sven Kramer one point ahead of van Reij overall. Despite a second win in the third race, Sven Kramer saw victory slipping away with only a 6th position in the fourth race which was won by Jan Wind. The last heat of the day was cancelled when the wind disappeared completely and the fleet drifted slowly backward on the evening tide, much to the frustration of Jan Wind who was well in the lead at the time. Third place overall was for solid performer Andre Sombekke who scored well in each race. Best Omani sailor was Sabah Saif Salim of the Royal Oman Navy. 

The race was the first of a new series of Regattas planned by the Oman Laser Association, who thank their main sponsor Tawoos Industries and co-sponsors Centrilift and the Mercure Hotel. OLA chairman and reigning Oman champion Neil Dunkley congratulated all participants and announced that the next OLA Regatta will be held at Wudam Naval base on 10-11 June. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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