Baker wins German Optimist Championship

American Stephan Baker, who has won both the 2018 Optimist US Nationals and North Americans, claimed the German Championship (July 23-27) in an exciting final race on Lake Garda.

Current World Champion Marco Gradoni (ITA), who had an eight point lead over Baker with one race remaining, scored a BFD which dropped him to third and elevated Baker to the title. Second overall went to Richard Schultheis from Maltese.

The choice of the German Optimist class to come to Italy on Garda Trentino for the National Championship was certainly courageous given that all the German clubs have had to adapt, but was also rewarded by sun and wind always from 12 to 16 knots.

The championship attracted an international field with seven nations finishing in the top 10, all looking to continue their preparation in advance of the Optimist World Championship in one month to be held in Cyprus.

Gold Ranking: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Risultati_OPTIMIST_-_Gold.pdf