Team Holmatro shows resilience in Hyeres
June 17, 2008 by Team Holmatro | 0 comments
The Dutch Team Holmatro showed resilience in Hyeres (FRA) at the second round of the 2008 iShares Cup Extreme 40 series. After a dramatic capsize in a training session prior to the start on Friday June 13, mastman & grinder Gerd Habermüller (AUT) had to be replaced by Ed van Lierde (NED). Since Habermüller is exceptional strong, it took a while for the newly formed crew to adjust to the changed onboard situation. The heavy weather conditions did not make it easier, but as the wind eased on the final Sunday June 15, Team Holmatro made a striking comeback. They climbed on the leader board from the eight to the fourth position overall in Hyeres. Alinghi took the overall win, which lifted them to a second position in the overall ranking so far.
The Dutch Team Holmatro showed resilience in Hyeres (FRA) at the second round of the 2008 iShares Cup Extreme 40 series. After a dramatic capsize in a training session prior to the start on Friday June 13, mastman & grinder Gerd Habermüller (AUT) had to be replaced by Ed van Lierde (NED). Since Habermüller is exceptional strong, it took a while for the newly formed crew to adjust to the changed onboard situation. The heavy weather conditions did not make it easier, but as the wind eased on the final Sunday June 15, Team Holmatro made a striking comeback. They climbed on the leader board from the eight to the fourth position overall in Hyeres. Alinghi took the overall win, which lifted them to a second position in the overall ranking so far.
“It was really, really good racing”, said helmsman Andreas Hagara (AUT) enthusiastically. “We had 28 knots on the first day and about 20-24 on the second day. That is not easy sailing on a short course. We missed our joker Gerd and his power. He is a 110 kg working buffalo. Two or three people had to do the work that Gerd normally does on his own, so we had to change the whole co-ordination onboard. Ed did a great job, but we had to alter a few things in the maneuvers and it took us 1,5 day to learn and handle this.” That is why Team Holmatro experienced some difficulties at the beginning of round two. Mischa Heemskerk (NED): “I have deep respect for Gerd. He hoists the spinnaker on his own, whereas we are dying to set the kite with the three of us. In the process of finding the right teamwork, we adapted ourselves continually. We had to learn our dancing steps again, but now we know them both; the foxtrot and waltz.” In the second race on the first day, there was more bad luck for Team Holmatro. “While laying in fourth or third position, the pulley of the main halyard broke, so the main sail came down and we could not finish”, explained Heemskerk.
Going into the final day, Team Holmatro was eighth overall. Hagara: “We had perfect sailing conditions with 18-20 knots in the morning, dropping to 12-14 knots.” According to Heemskerk it was tough competing in nine races: “We were exhausted, but revived duo to the adrenaline. After Saturday’s competition we were very disappointed of still being in eighth position, as it felt we had improved throughout the day. But the gap was only a few points, so we were highly motivated for the last seven races. In the first one on Sunday, we dropped from the third to a sixth place, so we were again deeply dissatisfied with the result. But that frustration was followed by a second and at the end of the afternoon everybody was extremely eager to do well in the final double-point race. All of us were 300% focused and we finished third. We climbed to a fourth position overall, which is just great.”
Scary capsize in training
“The pitch pole was an unpleasant experience”, admitted Heemskerk afterwards. It happened during a training session prior to the start of the second round of the iShares Cup. Hagara: “We had practiced for two hours and were just cruising, as we decided to bear away. We wanted to go to the Volvo Ocean Race and do another upwind with them.” At that moment, the main sail was double reefed and the breeze was about 25 knots strong. Hagara: “The hull digged in, another gust hit us and then we were flying. It was a boat handling error, because I did not ease the main enough. Gerd sat on the hull and had nothing to hold on. Following the impact of the rigg hitting the water, Gerd fell down and unfortunately hit the mast or main sail block.” He was taken to hospital, together with Sander Speet who injured his finger. Hagara: “I talked to Gerd this morning, he is alright, but it will take a while to recover. He has a haematoma on his liver and receives injections for it every day. Hopefully he will be able to race with us in Cowes.”
About Holmatro
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hydraulic tools for rescue and industry, Holmatro also produces high-quality marine equipment for sailing yachts, with resounding success. The product line of Holmatro Marine Equipment BV comprises hydraulic rigging equipment, (classic) winches and rigging cutters for emergency situations.
By Diana Bogaards
