Report 2019
Report by Hubert; photos by Ingo Müller
This article may also appear in the Dinghy Cruising Journal
23 competitors registered for the 2019 Raid Extreme on 7th September 2019.
The weather forecasts predicted lots of wind and rain, which led to many cancellations.
So we decided not to race. A small group of diehards came together at Omaho Beach on Friday. During the afternoon the weather forecast for the weekend improved so we made a collective decision to sail as a group on Saturday, starting at 0800 and visit the token locations in clockwise order.In other words. more a raid than a race!
After the boats were made ready, the hardcore raiders had a good meal at the Raadsel van de Wadden (Dutch translation of 'Riddle of the Sands').
After a rainy night, Saturday dawned with sunshine.
We ran into Ingo Müller, who had arrived during the night. While Ingo was putting together his sailing kayak 'Käptn Blaubär' we had a quick breakfast and launched at 0800 hours.
After the first stop at Hoek van de Bant we continued to the Booze Wijf.
As we crossed the lake, we saw Wim and Joke returning to Oostmahorn on their Wet Bicycle catamaran. Later on we heard that they had so much spray from the hulls that they badly needed a shower to dry up a bit.
The others reached the Booze Wijf, parked our boats in the Museumhaven and went inside to have a coffee. During the coffee break, there was torrential rain outside, so we were not quick to leave.
As we sailed out to the Oude Robbengat (christened 'Mai Tai Island' by the Bremer canoe team of 2018) we were joined by Ingo.
We stopped at the 'Mai Tai Island' and said goodbye to Bert Schilders and crew Peter.
The wind was now a manageable NW3. Note that at this time there were still warnings for 6 Beaufort on the Ijsselmeer radio.
The rest of the fleet now sailed on to Hunzegat (the marina at Zoutkamp).
This was easy going as we were mostly running and broad reaching.
Ingo and Käptn Blaubär
Hans and Wuptem - the fastest boat at the event.
On the return trip we had to short-tack until we got to the main lake. THis took a long time.
When we got to the main lake, the wind dropped to a force 2-3.
Only Wuptem made it to the Omaho Beach before 1700.
The others were able to enjoy the sailing trip for just a little bit longer.
On the return trip we had to short-tack until we got to the main lake. THis took a long time.
When we got to the main lake, the wind dropped to a force 2-3.
Only Wuptem made it to the Omaho Beach before 1700.
The others were able to enjoy the sailing trip for just a little bit longer.
In the evening we assembled in the Raadsel van de Wadden for dinner.
Koos and Hubert carried out the prize giving ceremony.
First prize went to Hans and Margreet Arends in the Wuptem. They collected 4 virtual tokens and got back before 1700 hours.
Second prize went to Wim van der Vliet and Joke Ton who çollected' one token with their catamaran configuration of 2 Wet Bicycles.
No prizes for the rest of the fleet since they all arrived after 1700 hours. Luckily we had brought several silly prizes for the best looking boat (Onno and Anneke) and a traveller trophy (Ingo).
After the prize giving we sang shanties accompanied by Onno de Groot (Klarie's brother) on his accordeon.
This was a great success as diners at other tables soon joiined in.
On Sunday we decided to make a trip to Ezumazijl. We said goodbye to Hans and Margreet.
WIm and Karel sailed with Anneke and Onno van Sandick on the Gjoa.
At Ezumazijl, Ingo decided to take apart his kayak to dry out in the sun.
After this, he joined Anneke and Onno who sailed now with 5 people on their Caledonian Yawl.
