A Triple Victory and Special Recognition for Eldest Helmsman at the European Cup for 30 sqm Archipelago Cruisers.

Since 1980, the European Cup for SK30 archipelago cruisers has been held every four years in various parts of the Swedish archipelago along the east coast. Gstaad Yacht Club member Peter Theile has participated in every edition. This year, off Stockholm by Sandhamn in the Baltic Sea, Peter competed with his 30 sqm archipelago cruiser, MARIPOSA, alongside a seasoned crew consisting of Harald Böhler, Wolfgang Frei, Beat Erb, and his son, Tilman Theile.

The regatta took place in challenging conditions, with winds reaching 6 to 7 Bft at times and significant swells. Some participants were forced to withdraw early due to material damage, and one entire regatta day was cancelled due to severe weather. Despite these challenges, MARIPOSA secured 12th place out of 22 competitors, with teams hailing from Sweden, Lake Constance, Berlin, Hungary, and the USA.

Peter Theile was particularly delighted to receive special recognition as the only person to have won the European Cup three times and for being the eldest helmsman at 86 years old.

Alongside this regatta, various classes, including the 15s, 40s, 75s, 95s, 120s, and even one 150 sqm archipelago cruiser, contested a parallel Skerry Cruiser Trophy. Many of these fast and beautiful sailboats, over 100 years old, remain in excellent condition.

Gstaad Yacht Club

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