Sunfishes are often seen on Curaçao’s Spanish Waters. Not only for training or fun, but also frequently for competitive races held throughout the year, organized by chairman Alex Roose and members of the board of the Curaçao Sunfish Sailing Association. For the 26th year, CSSA appealed to her 25 registered members to participate in the annual Rudy Dovale race, named after the 87 year-old charismatic importer of Boston Whalers and Sunfishes for more than 40 years.
This time Dovale’s race had a limited entry due to the absence of some of the famous sailors and sickness of others. It provided a nice chance for the 16 participants who came to the start to end up in the front ranks.
From the first downwind track it became obvious that last year’s number two, Jürgen Schneider would take the win this time. Down wind, he showed his skills and stayed unbeatable throughout both races. According to Roose it seemed that Schneider’s Sunfish, accustomed to the Dutch fresh water lakes he sailed the last few years, had grown wings in Curaçao’s salty waters.
The second place really had to be conquered in the 25 knots prevailing winds. Out of the likely candidates, 18 year-old Michiel van Wickeren finished best, his heels followed by Alex Roose himself in third place. Maarten Taams, a surgeon who missed the first race standing at his operating table in the morning hours, didn’t end up in the top three but received an honorable mention for his performance in the second race.
Tony the Haas took in the win the B Class and Marjolein van Aanholt turned out to be the fastest woman in the race.
As usual, prizes were given out by Mr. Rudy Dovale himself and his wife Jacqueline, as always, showing enthusiasm and interest in Curaçao’s sailing scene.
