A-Class, Foiling Easter Regatta Univela 2019 : Mischa Heemskerk 1st

All images by Hartas Production / Campione Univela. More pics & video at the Easter Foiling Regatta Campione Univela website: foilingeaster.com. —

Mischa Heemskerk (Dna F1x/ Mischa DS) wiped out the fleet at Campione Univela (one of the best venues in the World as stated by Arg sailors) , 7 bullets out of ten races. Mischa and F1x after some foil iterations had a great performance in the Worlds held in Australia some months ago. DNA kept refining their systems on the F1x  with integrated rudder rake systems, hidden mainsheet drums etc.
But most important aspect is how the latest foils seem now to work as intended. Not many pro riders at Campione , but remember how Mischa suffered with first F1x foil versions last year at Garda.
The platform has reached a mature point now and the F1x could be the  standard again for those looking for high price fully factory equipped molded platforms along the Scheurer G7.

In contrast the Exploder D3 used by Ahsby to win the Worlds had the usual spartan D3 platform with an added custom rake system made by TNZ and repaired or polished by Jakub on the spot before the main event to become more reliable.

This to point out that Exploder now is going for some features a la F1x like the hidden mainsheet drum and a new factory rudder rake system. The problem I see is how those features are elevating the platform cost getting near the DNA price range.
What I’m analyzing here is how the Class might lose a cost effective and winning platform like the D3, which till now always relied on Foil development as key asset without the need of specialized or top of the line systems. Even though a rudder rake system is a must have nowadays.

Still the A-Class gives you the alternative to spend quite less with customs simplied functional rake system like the one posted by Sam Carter past week: catsailingnews.com/2019/04/a-class-flyer-retrofit-custom-rudder.html

Going back to the results at Campione,  second place was for Emmanuel Dodé (D3 / North) and third for Jacek Noetzel (D3 / Bryt) who returns to the racing arena after an injury that left him out of the past Worlds.

Check last shot above, that’s one my idols, Mathias Dietz (D3 / Landenberger DS) , Mathias is reaching 70yrs old and made the transition from floating to foiling past years, seeing him pushing the limits is always an inspiration and a message for those who might be able to do the same but are putting excuses, this previously considering  skill level and physical state  , which of course Mathias has and puts all his drive on the racing course each time. Aside foiling Mathias has been consistently one of the best racers in the fleet.

New devels have made foiling A-Cat much easier and stable, so if you are in doubt give it a try, you wont regret it.

Top ten below, full resutls at foilingeaster.com