RC44 Austria Cup 30 May – 3 June

Returning to Lake Traunsee, Austria for the fifth consecutive year, the RC44 fleet will once again take to the flat water, to face unpredictable weather conditions and often tricky tactical predicaments that can catch out even the most experienced skipper.

Although only having a small population, idyllic Gmunden is a popular spa, health and summer resort and its classic white-green decor pottery is world renowned. It describes itself as a city with culture and flair; a place full of charm and contradictions, a place for wild times and quiet moments.

Rene Mangold’s AEZ Sailing Team will be hoping that a return to home waters will give them a competitive advantage over the other RC44s in the fleet.  But in the unpredictable conditions often blowing through Lake Traunsee, it will be consistency that pays.

Gmunden sits 425m above sea level and rests among a number of imposing mountains, including the Traunstein Mountain, which at 1.691m is a very popular hiking and mountaineering destination.

Surrounded by mountains, which create challenging wind conditions of up to Force 3 or 4 even on the most stable days, Lake Traunsee is established as one of Europe’s most popular inland sailing venues. It hosts many different class World and European Championship events and acts as a popular stop on several high-profile racing series.

The flat water, sometimes unpredictable weather conditions and often tricky tactical predicaments can catch out even the most experienced skipper. At 191m deep Traunsee is Austria’s deepest lake, while it spans 12kms in length and is 3km wide.

Previous years have attracted more than 20,000 spectators to the area, who watched the action from up close in this spectacular venue.

www.aut44.at

Event Schedule

Monday 28 May
09.30 - 16.30  Free craning, Ebensee
16.00 - 18.00  Registration and weigh-in 

Tuesday 29 May
09.30 - 18:00  Registration and weigh-in
10.00              Skippers briefing, hospitality area
13.00              Start of long distance practice race, Grand Prix of Gmunden
After racing    Buffet, hospitality area
18.00              All boats moored in Gmunden

Wednesday 30 May
09.30              Official Press Confrence, VIP tent
10.00              Skippers briefing, hospitality area
11.30              Match racing first warning signal
After racing    Buffet, hospitality area
19.00              Welcome dinner, prize giving for Grand Prix of Gmunden and Match Race

Thursday 31 May
10.00              Skippers briefing, hospitality area
11.30              Fleet racing first warning signal
After racing    Buffet, hospitality area
18.00              Boat captian meeting, hospitality area

Friday 1 June
10.00              Skippers briefing, hospitality area
11.30              Fleet racing first warning signal
After racing    Buffet, hospitality area

Saturday 2 June
10.00              Skippers briefing, hospitality area
11.30              Fleet racing first warning signal
After racing    Buffet, hospitality area
20.00              RC44 Party, hospitality area VIP boats

Sunday 3 June
10.00              Skippers briefing, hospitality area
11.30              Fleet racing first warning signal
15.00              Last warning signal
After racing    Prize giving for fleet racing, event area

Race Areas

Race Area - North

It can be said, that the general wind direction on Lake Traunsee is from the North. Approximately 80% of all races will be sailed under this conditions whereas you can count on up to 5 beaufort of wind strength. The north wind starts at app. 10 am and stops at app. 6pm.

Race Area - West

In bad general weather situation the wind blows from the west in most cases. Wind strengths varies from 2 – 6 beaufort.

Race Area - South

South wind offers wind strength up to 6 beaufort and challenging sailing conditions. Between 5 am and 10 am you have top sailing conditions between Gmunden and Ebensee. In bad weather situations there is sometimes a strong south wind all over the lake.

Event Area