Drama at the DN World Championship

The 2019 DN Gold Cup attracted an international field of 110 sailors to seek the world title February 17-19 on Indian Lake, Ohio. While conditions on the final day failed to deliver, racing on the two other days allowed for some dramatic stories to develop.

For starters, German Anja Fielder’s 9th place finish in Gold which accomplished a couple of firsts – the first time a woman competitor has finished in the top 10 and the first time a husband and wife have both finished in top ten with hubby Holger Petzke finishing in 4th place.

Also, there were nine Polish sailors who arrived ready to compete for the Gold Cup but their nine Polish boats were stuck at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. Without any hope of the boats arriving in time, the North American DN Class community banded together and found boats for the Polish sailors.

In fact, Michal Burczynski (POL) won the title with a loaner from Western Region Commodore Daniel Hearn of Madison, Wisconsin.

“Daniel Hearn, thanks to him I had the chance to compete in the Gold Cup 2019,” said Burczynski. “Our equipment did not arrive for regatta. Daniel supported me with all his best equipment and he took his practice boat. There are no words to express the amount of appreciation I have for this guy. He has a great heart and 100% honest game! This year we have two world champions: Daniel and Me… thank you!”

Polish sailors took four of the top five positions with James Theiler (USA) and Ron Sherry (USA) finishing in 6th and 10th respectively to represent North America in the top ten.

Results – Photos