From August 23 to 25, 2024, the International Czech Republic Championship in the Tornado class took place at Lipno in Černá v Pošumaví. Over the course of three racing days, sailors from both the Czech Republic and abroad competed on the waters of the Lipno Reservoir. This race, the highlight of the domestic sailing season every year, brought exciting battles, changing weather conditions, and unforgettable experiences for the competitors and all involved.
A total of ten crews participated in the event, nine of which were Czech and one German. The forecast was promising, and the trophies awaited their winners. Right on the first day of the race, both competitors and officials faced the challenges of the “Lipno thermals.” The wind was unstable and fluctuating, making the race results uncertain until the very last moment. Even the slightest hesitation was severely punished by wind holes, and poor decisions led to an immediate loss of dozens of meters. In these conditions, the crew of CZE 62, Zdeněk Pavliš and Klára Pavlišová, clearly dominated, winning three out of the four races with ease. The mood after the first day was as sunny as the weather, and so the day’s experiences were discussed over a shared dinner.
Four races were also planned for the second day, but the AP flag was raised in the morning and remained hoisted until the afternoon. However, the eager competitors didn’t waste time. They fine-tuned their vessels, and most of them attended a lecture and analysis of the rules organized by the Juries. Not only were the events of the previous day discussed, but also scenarios experienced by the lecturers that could occur in the future. Just before 5 p.m., the first and only race of the day was finally started in light winds. The conditions were again challenging, particularly for the crew of CZE 73, who, after the first upwind leg, were battling for top positions but ultimately lost the fight. Tornado CZE 72 was the first to cross the finish line. After returning to shore, the competitors were once again treated to a communal dinner.
The third and final day promised moderate winds, unlike the previous days. The first race of the day was started before 10 a.m. in a westerly wind of 12-18 knots. The crew of CZE 72 led from start to finish, securing another win and opening up a potential battle for the title. After a subsequent wind shift and course adjustment, another race was started in the rain. Rising tension among the competitors led to an individual recall. Despite a defect, the crew of CZE 62 finished the race in first place, confirming their overall victory in the championship. Although a third race was started, the rankings and results remained unchanged. The declining wind did not allow the race to be completed, and so the Czech Republic Championship was concluded after seven races, with one discard.
Deservedly, after a dominant performance, the crew of CZE 62, Zdeněk Pavliš and Klára Pavlišová, became the Czech Republic Champions. Congratulations!
Report by Michaela Pavlisova
