Black Jack Cup 2002

The yearly event of Flying Dutchman in Sweden was as always held in Vejbystrand. And as always everything was perfect; the sun was ever present, a good westerly breeze and lots of cool beer. As it was 10 years since the very first Black Jack Cup took place, this years event was a very special one.

Bengt, who was very keen on winning for the 10'th time in a row, expected very light winds for the race. In order to make his victory even bigger, he made the decision to send his ordinary crewmember Kenneth to Spain, and replaced him with a smaller, lighter and faster crewmember to make the boat faster in the light conditions Bengt expected.

However, in the practice session the day before the race there was a moderate breeze and Bengt was not as fast as he usually is. Even the "East German submarine" (SWE 115) managed to keep the same speed as Bengt. The pre-race party was as always held in Bengt's garden (Barbeque and lots of cold beer). Since Bengt was worried about the weather he tried to dance a "give me little breeze and no waves dance". This failed miserably and Saturday morning showed with a good breeze and a lot of waves.

At the first start SWE 101 tried an interesting new maneuver (which is still incomprehensible to us all) which resulted in the need for SWE 101 to do a 720 degree turn ( more about that later ); 3 boats left. Coming up to the first windward mark, SWE 110 showed the remarkable effects off not letting go of the genoa-sheet in time; 2 boats left. The 2 following races turned into sheer match racing between a fast boat with a too light crewmember and the East German submarine.

And the outcome was determined in a port/starboard incident 200 yards from the finishing line.

Next year we are certain that Kenneth will be back in SWE 108 and that the ugliest prize in sailing will be returned to it's usual owner.

Black Jack Cup 2002 contributed with some new words to the Swedish sailing glossary. Here follows a quick attempt to explain them.

After the start of the first race, SWE 101 had to do a 720-degree turn since they had tried a "Kurdve" (see explanation below). The difference between a regular 720-degree turn and a Lindahl 720 is that the Lindahl 720 is a vertical 720-degree turn and is done in water that is more shallower than the length of a FD mast. The rest of us can still not understand the benefits of a Lindahl 720 since we all feel that this is a slower, more expensive and a not correct maneuver since the gybe part of a regular 720-degree turn is not covered.

A Kurdve is a late port start on a much too short start line when the boats coming on the starboard tack has timed their start beautifully. The chance of a successful Kurdve is nil. There is a much greater chance of winning the state lottery.

Thinking about this year's Black Jack Cup makes one realize what a special year this was; Too see a FD make a Kurdve and directly followed by a Lindahl 720, which are two very seldom attempted maneuvers, is rare. This followed up with a broken stern and rudder (SWE 110). And finally a favorite, who actually did not win. This year's event will be a tough one to beat.