Robert Stanjek and Frithjof Kleen: Winning the Bacardi Cup and getting ready for the Worlds and SSL City Grand Slam in their home Country

70 Stars entered the 89th edition of the Bacardi Cup and in a thrilling six race series held in bigS&K Bacardi breeze in Biscayne Bay, Miami, Robert Stanjek & Frithjof Kleen won by a single point from Diego Negri & Sergio Lambertenghi with Augie Diaz & Bruno Prada in third. It was the first time Stanjek & Kleen have won the Bacardi Cup and in doing so become the first German pair to win the prestigious cup since the first regatta in 1927.

“Negri and Lambertenghi were the hardest guys to beat they are known to be quick in heavy air, we were very happy with our upwind speed, we came to Miami with a new sail design and the conditions were between 12 and 20 knots, so it was a very physical regatta. In the last race our goal was finish top five and ahead of the Italians. We got a clear lane to the left side and Negri chose to defend the right side and we had the lead at the top mark and extended on the downwind and we brought it home. We are only the second European team to win, I think that is because there is no weight limit and the Americans know their home water and have heavy crews. Next for us will be the Worlds in Miami and that will be a different game and we will be very respectful of the competition” commented Robert Stanjeck. “Many thanks to the Star Sailors League for providing a boat for the Bacardi Cup and the World Championship, without their help we probably would not have been able to compete.”

Robert Stanjek & Frithjof Kleen will be competing at the first ever Star Sailors League City Grand Slam on Lake Alster, in the heart of German city of Hamburg, 3-7 May 2016. S&K bacardi water

“I have sailed on Lake Alster maybe six times and it is very shifty, they say if someone opens their window in Hamburg, you get a wind shift!” joked Frithjof Kleen. “ I expect a lot of changes in the positions with very close racing, it will be super tough. There are many good sailors who come from the lake but local knowledge doesn’t help so much. The main factors are to stay out of trouble and keep in phase with the shifts. As Germans we are very proud that the Star Sailors League is coming to Hamburg and we are really looking forward to the regatta, it will be very special for us.”

 

Louay Habib