RAF Sailor, Airman Down

RAF J-Sailor, Airman Down-  We received sad news this past week about a fellow J/80, J/97 and J/109 sailor who was very active on the RAF Sailing Team on the Solent.  Hywel ‘H’ Poole, aged, 28, was one of the three pilots who tragically died in the RAF Tornado fighter jet incident over the north-east coast of Scotland on Tuesday 3 July 2012.

‘H’, a proud Welshman, was born in Bangor and grew up on the water sailing in the British and Welsh Optimist and Laser squads. He joined the RAF in 2006 following a degree in Naval Architecture at Southampton University and excelled through fast jet training. H was a regular on the Solent as a member of the RYA Keelboat Programme, sailing on the Farr 45 and TP52. He also sailed J109's and J80's to huge success with RAF colleagues and often joined his friends on the J97 JIKA-JIKA.

H lived life on the ground as fast as he did in the air and achieved so much in such a short time. Famed for a fast yard, dubious dancing and a heart as big as his hands, he was a true gent who will be sadly missed and never forgotten.  Best wishes and condolences to H's family from the J/Family and friends around the world.

Here’s a little of his flying experience shared by one of his RAF buddies.  Amazing footage (thanks for this contribution from SA).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goEydHDN8JQ

J/80s Sailing Copa del Rey

(Palma Mallorca, Spain)- The 30th edition of the famous Copa Del Rey Audi Mapfre regatta again promises world-class competition in Spain and the Mediterranean.  And, continuing to be one of the pre-eminent classes at this prestigious gathering of sailors from around the world will be the J/80 International Class.  For sailors in Europe, the J/80s have become the breeding ground for top international competitors.  In Spain, in particular, World, Olympic and European champions from many classes are tested routinely in local and regional competitions.

For this year's edition of Copa del Rey, top teams will be participating from Spain, Germany, United Kingdom and Italy.  The UK representative is John Horn sailing BALTIC ROPES/J-SAILING for the Royal Yachting Association.  From Italy, it will be veteran campaigners Massimo Rama on JENIALE! racing for YC Chiavari.  The German teams will be represented by the Segelkameradschaft Das Wappen von Bremen sailing from Bremen, Germany.  Then, Spain is showing up with an armada of recent and past World Champions and national champions, including 2012 World's Champ Jose Maria van der Ploeg sailing NIFILSK/ GREAT SAILING.  Also, in attendance will be NEXTEL ENGINEERING sailed by past World Champ Ignacio Camino and past Copa del Rey champion MAPFRE will be sailed by the Martinez/ Barrionuevo team-- yes, the same Martinez family that saw Iker race the Volvo 70 TELEFONICA in the 2012 Volvo Race.  The racing promises to be extremely competitive across the board.  For more Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre sailing information

Great J/24 & J/80 Kieler Woche Regatta

(Kiel, Germany)- This past week saw one of the largest regattas in Germany finish with a flourish with some great sailing for both the J/24 fleet participating and a growing J/80 class.

In the fifteen boat J/80 class, there were Polish and German crews sailing a good series.  Dominating the class was Germany's Martin Menzner from Kieler YC, winning with a remarkable six 1sts and four 2nds to simply crush the class, eight points clear of second place finisher Malte Christopherson, also of Germany.  Third overall was Thomas Dehler, fourth was Fyn Terveer winning a tie-breaker over fifth place finisher Karsten Thode.

There was a fantastic turnout for the J/24s, with 33 teams attending from Sweden, The Netherlands and Germany.  The J/24s also saw a top team dominate the proceedings, with Kal Mares winning with 29 pts, followed by Frank Schonfedlt in second with 43 pts.  Rounding out the podium was past champion Manfred Konig with 50 pts.  Top Swedish team was Per-Hakan Persson in 7th overall.  For more Kiel Week Regatta sailing information