A successful finish of the 79th North Sea Week - despite extreme conditions

On Saturday 25th May 2013, around 16:55 the Swan 441 "Charisma" crossed the finish line at Edinburgh as the last yacht of the North Sea Week despite gale-force winds and the cold forcing most participants to retire.

Skipper Claviez decided wisely to escape the predicted gale-force winds and did choose a safer but longer way further north. The boat made it to the finish, while all other remaining 16 yachts had to give up.

The North Sea Week 2013 was dominated by extreme weather conditions, with calm air, fog, gale-force winds and even some sun, the weather proved to be a huge challenge for participants and organisers. Five out of 13 races had to be abandoned or cancelled.

Stefan Lehnert, race director, said "The North Sea Week 2013 has been - regarding the sailing - one of the hardest so far: Fog, light and shifting winds, the current of the North Sea around Helgoland demanded very good sailing skills, especially tactical and navigational knowledge - with all aspects being equally relevant. Unfortunately - after the authorities' cancellation of the race "Haspa Private Banking Cup" from Wedel to Cuxhaven - we also had to cancel the "Inducon Cup Helgoländer Acht" and all races back due to light winds.

With 151 registered yachts for this year's event, the registration numbers for the North Sea Week are rising again. Bernd Joerg, head of the organisation committee said, "Of course we had more entries last year, but this is normal due to the very popular Pantaenius Round Skagen Race."

For more information visit www.nordseewoche.org.