HC14 Euro Cup – Dinsdale Trophy 2026

The HC14 Euro Cup will be heading north in 2027, moving from the familiar waters of Lake Bostal to the beautiful Lake Plön in northern Germany.

The event will be hosted by the Bosau Sailing Club (SCCB), which is looking forward to welcoming sailors from across Europe for another exciting HC14 Euro Cup regatta.

Lake Plön, officially known as the Großer Plöner See, is one of Germany’s premier inland sailing venues. Covering more than 28 square kilometres, it is the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein and the tenth-largest lake in Germany. Its open waters and scenic surroundings provide an excellent setting for competitive racing and a memorable sailing experience.

The move to Lake Plön continues the HC14 Euro Cup tradition of visiting attractive and challenging venues throughout Europe while bringing the fleet to new regions and sailing communities.

Further information regarding the event schedule, accommodation options, and registration details will be published as preparations progress.

We look forward to seeing the HC14 fleet on the waters of Lake Plön in 2027!

Under bright sunshine and early summer temperatures, twelve Hobie 14 sailors made their way to Lake Bostal for an exciting weekend of racing. Thanks to the training camp held beforehand, Rolf was also able to convince several sailors from neighboring countries to travel directly from the International Hobie Class event to join us at Lake Bostal.

Unfortunately, it became apparent during the training sessions that the wind gods would not be particularly generous. Light and highly variable south-easterly winds presented a significant challenge for both the competitors and the race committee throughout the weekend.

The fleet was sent out promptly for the first race, but the breeze proved sufficient for only the leading four boats to finish within the time limit. Shortly afterwards, another light wind filled in, allowing the race committee to optimistically start a second race. However, this race ultimately had to be abandoned due to the lack of wind, leaving the competition—and the honor of writing the event report—wide open.

Saturday evening offered a welcome opportunity to relax. Participants enjoyed another excellent meal, while the local “witch” tradition helped prepare everyone for a night in campers and tents with a warming schnapps. A small group chose to extend the evening, sharing a few beers and good conversations in the pleasant atmosphere of the sailors’ garage.

What did not quite work on Saturday was successfully made up for on Sunday. Despite the light conditions, the race committee managed to complete four very respectable races. Demonstrating impressive consistency, overseas guest Dan Borg secured overall victory, followed closely by Friedhelm Weller in second place and local favorite Rolf Neu in third.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Race Officer Armin Krächan and his team of volunteers, both on and off the water, who succeeded in organizing a five-race regatta despite the challenging conditions. Special thanks also go to Rolf, Petra, and their team for treating everyone to a wonderful dinner and an extensive breakfast buffet. Finally, our gratitude goes to Ralph Seemann for capturing the event in a series of beautiful photographs that will help preserve the memories of this successful weekend for years to come.

Many thanks to Markus Räschle for the original event report.

The HC14 Training Camp at Lake Bostalsee brought together sailors eager to improve their skills, exchange knowledge, and prepare for the upcoming racing season. Despite challenging weather conditions, participants enjoyed several days of intensive coaching, practical tuning sessions, and excellent hospitality.

## A Slow Start Due to Light Winds

The training began on Tuesday morning with the assembly and preparation of the boats. Each participant was paired with an experienced and successful sailor who acted as a personal coach throughout the camp.

Unfortunately, the ambitious training schedule had to be adjusted immediately, as the expected wind conditions failed to materialize. Instead of sailing, the group focused on theory sessions covering racing rules, starting tactics, course strategy, and boat tuning. The remaining time was spent working extensively on the boats and optimizing equipment setups.

The day was overshadowed by an accident when Reimund suffered a serious hand injury after a fall in the evening twilight, preventing him from taking part in the sailing activities.

Veit also experienced an unexpected challenge. Motivated to embrace the camping lifestyle, he had purchased camping equipment and planned to sleep in his car. However, after a freezing first night at just 5°C, he wisely decided to pack up and move into warmer accommodation.

## Training on the Water

Wednesday finally brought enough wind to get six to seven boats onto the water. Although temperatures remained low at around 10°C and intermittent drizzle swept across the lake, sailors took part in a variety of training exercises.

The sessions included pursuit races on reaching, upwind, and downwind courses. Coaches continuously provided feedback on sail trim, helm control, and crew positioning. Several short races lasting between 12 and 15 minutes allowed participants to apply the lessons immediately in competitive situations.

Frequent rain showers created both gusts and cold showers, making the richly prepared lunch table by Petra even more welcome after approximately two and a half hours on the water.

The catering throughout the week was exceptional. Participants enjoyed a generous breakfast buffet each morning, warm lunches, and excellent dinners every evening. The quality of the food was so good that some sailors temporarily abandoned their weight-loss plans.

A special thank you goes to Petra for her outstanding support and hospitality.

## No Wind, but Plenty of Activity

Thursday again offered almost no wind, leading many participants to explore the local area or spend additional time fine-tuning their boats.

The highlight of the evening was Rolf’s famous paella. The dish was so impressive that it could have made even a Spaniard jealous.

## Productive Final Training Day

Friday finally delivered better sailing conditions with temperatures around 15°C and steady 2 Bft winds. Numerous short races were conducted under close personal supervision from the coaches.

Participants also exchanged boats during the day to gain experience with different setups and sailing styles.

Unfortunately, Veit was unable to participate due to an allergic reaction. Choosing to recover properly, he decided to conserve his energy in order to be fit for the upcoming regatta.

The camp concluded with a barbecue and a small ceremony featuring gifts for and from Rolf and Petra.

Thank you, Rolf and Petra, for your fantastic organization, support, and hospitality throughout the week.

## Practical Tuning and Racing Tips from the Camp

One of the most valuable aspects of the training camp was the exchange of practical knowledge among experienced sailors. The following tips were collected during the week and may be worth trying on your own boat:

### Starting Strategy

* Avoid waiting stationary on the leeward side before the start.
* Maintain some boat speed until at least one minute before the starting signal.
* An ideal start allows you to sail your preferred tack immediately after crossing the line.
* During acceleration, focus on preserving speed rather than pointing too high.

### Upwind Sailing

Franco described good upwind sailing with a simple principle:

* **A:** Sailing at optimal speed.
* **B:** Losing speed.
* **C:** Recognizing the loss and reacting.

Top sailors typically correct from C back to A within one or two seconds. Average sailors often require three to five seconds or more.

Key points:

* React immediately to wind shifts visible in telltales.
* Use smooth helm movements.
* Prioritize boat speed above all else.

### Wind Awareness

Several methods were used to monitor airflow:

* Sail telltales.
* Leech telltales between battens.
* Telltales on the bridle and shrouds.
* Mast-mounted wind indicators.

Careful observation of gusts on the water surface allows sailors to position themselves advantageously before competitors react.

### Downwind Techniques

Franco recommended moving far forward and to leeward until only 5–10 cm of the leeward hull remains above the water. While this produced mixed results on the lake, the technique may offer greater benefits in open-water and wave conditions.

Many successful sailors also increasingly use a standing position, leaning into the sail to maximize sail projection and boom angle.

Additional downwind recommendations:

* Bear away with every gust.
* Head up only to regain speed when necessary.
* Avoid excessive sideways heel.
* Focus on maximizing speed rather than constantly monitoring competitors.

In wave conditions:

* Bear away while surfing down a wave.
* Head up slightly when climbing a wave to reduce braking effects.

### Handling Wind Shifts Upwind

When a wind shift occurs:

* If you can head up, gain the extra height.
* If you must bear away, prioritize maintaining speed.
* Consider tacking, but avoid rushed manoeuvres.

As many experienced sailors agreed:

*”A hurried tack has never produced an advantage.”*

### Tacking Technique

During every tack:

* Ease the mainsheet as soon as the sail stops generating drive.
* Continue turning until the boom reaches at least the corner between the side beam and aft beam.
* Only begin heading up again once the sail is visibly producing power.

### Reaching

Dan and Fritz often sail reaches using only the leeward daggerboard while lifting the windward board completely.

## Trim Settings Discussed During the Camp

### Mast Rake

(Mast angle relative to the stern fitting)

* Dan, Fritz: approximately 30°
* Rolf, Frank: approximately 27°
* Veit, Wolfgang: approximately 26°

### Rudder Alignment

* Ideally neutral when sail and mainsheet are fully loaded.
* Deviations of up to 5 mm were measured.

### Batten Tension

* Most sailors prefer medium tension.
* Increasing tension moves the sail draft aft.
* Reducing tension moves the sail draft forward.

### Shroud Tension

Thorin and Dan successfully use very loose shrouds. By using the bridle-to-boom control system they can increase mast rake to around 30° and then straighten the mast back to approximately 27–28° under load.

While the loose shrouds allow significant lateral mast movement, opinions differed regarding the advantages of this setup.

## Looking Back

Despite difficult weather conditions, the HC14 Training Camp at Lake Bostalsee proved to be an outstanding learning experience. The combination of practical coaching, technical discussions, on-water training, and excellent camaraderie provided valuable insights for sailors of all levels.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success.

**Original report by Friedhelm Weller and Frank Steil.** https://www.hobie-kv.de/2026/06/08/training-hc14-am-bostalsee-top-trimm-tipps-von-praktikern/?cookie-state-change=1781727585940

The first leg of the HC14 EuroCup – Dinsdale Trophy 2026 took place in Cesenatico, Italy, marking the start of a new season for the Hobie 14 fleet.

The weather delivered a dramatic change in just a few days. Snow and cold temperatures dominated the days leading up to the event, but by race time, competitors were welcomed by sunshine and spring-like conditions. Unfortunately, the wind did not follow suit.

Light and highly variable breezes, combined with strong currents, created challenging racing conditions throughout all three days of competition. In the end, only six races could be completed, making for a difficult but hard-fought opening event of the EuroCup series.

Despite the lack of wind, sailors enjoyed warm temperatures, blue skies, and the unique atmosphere that defines the Hobie Way of Life. The fleet showed patience, determination, and sportsmanship while making the most of the available racing opportunities.

Hobie 14 Overall Ranking

🥇 Arnaud Thiémé – 8 points
🥈 Dan Borg – 15 points
🥉 Fabrice Gaquerel – 18 points

With the first points of the season now on the board, the EuroCup moves on to its next destination: Bostalsee, Germany, where competitors will be looking for stronger winds and another exciting chapter in the 2026 series.

For more news, photos, and updates, follow HC14 Euro Cup – Dinsdale Trophy on Facebook.