F18 Croatia: Murter Challenge 2016; Images by Pavao Mirosevic

All images by Pavao Mirosevic / Murter Challenge 2016 — Report and pics sent by Drasko Andric.
Murter Challenge will surely become a classic raid in the future, the Croatian sailors keep looking for boats to expand their fleet, and they are willing to host sailors from Europe to share experience with this local growing fleet. The Croatians have the wind, the scenery and good life awaiting.
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“21st & 22nd of May DSR Adria Sport hosted the 2nd MURTER CHALLENGE CATAMARAN RACE 2016 for F18 class and small catamarans at their water-sport base in Camping Village Jezera, on the island of Murter.

Weather forecast promised a lot of fun but also a lot of challenge for the organizers as well as for the competitors. The first day of regatta the wind was reaching 28+ kts, so the start was delayed hour after hour until the afternoon. It was really gusty and shifty but we manage to start with “promotional” round robin in front of the camping site bay where few spectacular pitch-pols were seen.

After first heat we started with navigation, and that was a real challenge that for sure claims the rights for the regatta name. After navigation, 3 more round robins were held, last one guaranteed not many souls will stay awake till midnight after gala dinner Camping Jezera Village organized for the participants.

Next day all weather forecast predicted stable SW around 7-9 kts that usually picks up to 12kts. Another 2 round robins were in front of the DSR Adria Sport base, this time it was less shifty but it was crucial to stay awaken and to be 100% concentrated on the wind shifts.

Wind started to lift to a promised force and we start with a navigation for the finish of the 2nd Murter Challenge.
Host gained a lot of advantage on their home playground what they use to gain 4 mins advantage when passed the finish lay line.

2 best Croatian teams were not able to come, along some Germany and Hungary crews, we expect them for next edition. Two  weeks earlier before the Challenge we reached number of 18 boats (along with Topcat) what is a Croatian record number.

We would like to host more teams for next edition to learn from them and to raise our sailing  skills, but more than that, we would like to spread the word on the unique sailing area with such perfect scenery and wind condition, we are really good hosts and we’ll be glad all to join us”

RESULTS:
Formula 18
1. D. Andrić – I. Lerman, Hobie Wildcat
2. M. Orešković – N. Orešković, Hobie Tiger
3. D. Županić – J. Borozan, Nacra Infusion MKII

Open
1. L. Čudina – M. Kožuh, SL 5.2
2. M. Maksan – V. Bakija, SL 5.2
3. V. Banjeglav – P. Mirošević, Hobie Cat 16