6mJI European Championship 2016 in Brunnen, Switzerland
A Swiss and a US Boat Clinched the Titles

Brunnen, 19th of July 2016 - The Swiss Boat "Junior" in the Moderns and the USA yacht "Llanoria" in the "Classics" were crowned European Champions in their categories in this years championship of the 6m JI Yachts. The regatta took place in Brunnen on the Lake of Lucern from the 16th to the 19th of July in ideal weather and wind conditions. 

The 6m JI boats are amongst the most elegant yachts in the world. They weigh about 4 tons and enjoy a cult status amongst many sailors. They earned this status not only due to their majestic appearance but also due to the fact that today still many yachts of the early 1920s are being raced. The oldest boat amongst this years competitors was built in 1921. To create fair conditions, the EC regattas were sailed in two categories: the "Classics" (built before 1956) and the "Moderns" or "Open". There were a total of 31 Yachts at the starting line. With 11 boats the Swiss fleet was the biggest group in the field followed by the USA and Great Britain with 3 boats each. The other participants found their way to Brunnen from Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Finland and Norway. All races of the EC were held on the "Urnersee", the most eastern arm of the Lake of Lucern. There the sailers could benefit from the thermal winds of 4 to 18 knots the region is known for.

Competitors gave each other a run for the money
The at times gusty winds caused some dodgy maneuvers at the marks. In the last race of the EC multiple boats arrived simultaneously at the windward mark. This lead to a collision between the boats in which one of them broke its mast. Several skippers filed protests that had to be settled by the international Jury. In their verdict, two boats were disqualified. This incident however had no influence on the final standings.

Swiss European Champion 2016 in the Moderns with a big lead
In the "Moderns" the Swiss crew of "Junior" with skipper Jean-Luc Monnard of the Cercle de la voile de Vevey-La-Tour (CVVT) were so dominant, that their victory was settled already after 6 of 8 races. The crew of SUI 77 Junior, ex. Fleau, take home the Coppa Giovanelli for the 5th time (not always the same crew). Runner-up was the US boat "Sting" with Russ Silvestri at the helm. The other Swiss boats sailed on positions 3,4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14 und15 on their local waters.

American crew triumphant in the "Classics"
In the "Classic" category the races of the final day provided the stage for a thrilling showdown between "Nada" from Great Britain with Skipper Poul Hoj-Jensen and "Llanoria" from the US piloted by Eric Jespersen. In the end the Americans managed to clinch the title from the Brits who led the category going into the final day. Therefore the European Champion 2016 in the "Classics" and winner of the President Woodrow Wilson Trophy is called "Llanoria" from the USA. The Swiss could not really profit from their home turf advantage as the bestes Swiss boat in the category was "Astree" with Philipp Dürr at the helm on position 10 followed by the others on position 13 to 16.

Other Awards
August Ringvold Memorial Trophy
The August Ringvold Memorial Trophy awarded to the best performance by a Rule 1 or 2 boat (pre-1934), was won by US 55 Lucie, helmed by Jamie Hilton. US 55 Lucie successfully defended this Trophy.

Baum and König Vintage Trophy
The Baum & König Vintage Trophy was donated the International Six Metre Class by by Robbe & Berking, was introduced and first offered for competition at the International Six Metre European Championships in Flensburg, Germany in June 2006. The Baum and König Trophy awarded to the highest placed Classic yacht which uses white or cream sails, wooden mast, boom and poles and flies a racing flag, was won by US 55 Lucie, helmed by Jamie Hilton. US 55 Lucie successfully defended this Trophy.

Lucie Trophy
The Lucie Trophy was donated to the International Six Metre Class by Matt Brooks to honor the memory of Lucie Bedford Warren, namesake of the yacht US 55 Lucie, and who was an energetic and keen competitor in the Class. Mrs. Warren raced ‘sixes’ in the U.S.A, Bermuda, Canada and in Europe. The Trophy is awarded to highest placing Modern or Classic with one or more female crew members, was won by K 12 Nada, with Alexia Barrier and Jana Zimmerhalk on the crew.

Nelson Trophy
The Nelson Trophy is awarded to the first placed Rule 3 boat constructed between 1966 and September 1979 inclusive, and which has had no alteration to its underwater shape other than permitted modifications to the rudder, was awarded to SUI 91 Irene, helmed by Nico Jaton.

John-Pierre Odero Trophy
This award displays 2 beautiful watercolor paintings by Marc Berthier on opposing sides of a Lucite case. It was given jointly by Bruce Owen and Bernard Haissly to memorialize the long-time support of the Class by Mr. Odero and is given at the Annual General Meeting of the Class to an individual who has performed outstanding service to the Class over the past year. This year's recipient is Thilo Durach for his efforts on the new Class website, http://www.6metre.com, and the annual newsletter.

IYRS Astor Cup
The Astor Cup has been loaned by the International Yacht Restoration School of Technology and Trades (IYRS) of Newport Rhode Island.  The trophy is a gold bowl to be awarded at the International Six Metre World Championship and at the International Six Metre European Championship to the highest placed yacht at the end of racing which includes a person aged 25 years or under as helmsperson or crew. The first winner of this new award was USA 127 STING with Sammy Shea as a member of the crew. 

Much praise for the organization committee
Beat Furrer, president of the Swiss 6mJI class association, once again proved to be right for proposing an other EC in Brunnen to the International Six Metre Association ISMA. As in the event of 2010, again the sailors  were thrilled by the good wind conditions and the breath taking panorama of the surrounding mountains in the heart of Switzerland. They were equally impressed by the perfect planning and conduct of event. Again, Furrer could count on the support of the organizing club, Regattavereins Brunnen (RVB), as well as the Fallenbach Shipyard. In the prize giving ceremony, the gathered international sailing community thanked the committee under the lead of race officer Martin Koller, the main host Beat Furrer, and RVB president René Baggenstos, who also was head of the organization committee, with a long and hearty applause for their work, the hospitality, and for the successful event.

For further information:
Alfred Fetscherin, Mobile: 0041 79 627 75 75, info@fetscherin.ch