News » Najad Rendezvous 2011 in Laboe

What a weekend!

Just back home from Najad´s 40th Anniversary Rendes vouz in Laboe.

What can I say? Sometimes words are not enough. I spent an amazing weekend in Laboe with perfect weather, clear blue sky and a light breeze, 22 Najad´s in different sizes and most important 70 very happy Najad sailors.

We started with a barbeque right at the waterfront on Friday evening, great food and drinks.

On Saturday morning we gathered a mutual breakfast and after that skippers meeting, if anyone thinks that a Najad owner is not competitive think again. I have done my fair bit of racing and I can tell you that the heat was on already when we started to prepare in the morning, all in a very positive and helpful way though.

12.00 was the first start. Impressive, most boats hit the starting line within seconds of their starting time, some did not…! We had a “Kangaroo start” where  the slowest boat started first and the fastest last. If the conditions are good  the idea is that all boats shall reach the finishing in the same time. I had the great pleasure to sail with the very nice family Bellwied on their 440CC. All had a great day on the Kiel Bay with good fun racing.

As it happens, because of a excellent crew work onboard the Bellwied 440 we managed to finish first. Congratulations to all onboard. All boats moved into the marina with Najad banners hoisted, an impressive site.

On Saturday evening we finished off with a very nice dinner and price giving ceremony hosted by Dines from Diamond Yacht and Kurt Müller from Yacht.

All together this was one of the best Najad events I have attended. Thanks to all involved, Dines Pontoppidan and his crew especially for organizing and hosting all this.

A very special thanks to all attending guests. I had a great time and look forward seeing you next year again.

Have a nice sailing summer

Magnus Ridderstad