written by Christian Irgens on June 8 of 2024 and read by 361
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The Solingfleet in the West of Norway got its start, (in recent times) in 2019-20 when a slightly tired NOR 137 came to Bergen. After an attempt with good towing assistance and support from prime mover Christian Rieder in Oslo, the boat was sold to Lillehammer after two seasons of polishing and upgrading. Without more Soling boats here in the west, it was a bit strange to participate in the bog boats regatta as a lonely swallow.
The rather active environment in Askøy Sailing Club has a long history of active sailors in a good sporting environment. The Norwegian Navy's Yngling fleet ended up there and has laid the groundwork for a good active class.
Kjell Eirik Henanger, who has sailed many classes and holds the WC title in Yngling, suddenly supplemented with Soling, NOR 122 in 2023. Thus it suddenly became a little more interesting to look at Soling again. NOR 117 was acquired after NM participation in 2023 and the boat taken over the mountain to Bergen under the cover of darkness..
Our ambition here in the West is to generate interest in this beautiful boat, which we believe can help fill a void between a dinghy and a large boat. The boat is not easy to "grow out of", it is active, fun and complex and the costs are relatively affordable. Both NOR 122, "FetterFart2" and NOR 117, Stayer jr", Both Abbott 1987, is registered for the WC in Hankø.
Team Storm from Åsane sailing Club, which will rent a boat during the WC and which today joins when there is space available in Stayer jr. or FF2.
Since March this year, Henrik, Andrè and Captain Christian have had about 30-40 hours in NOR 117. We have trained in all kinds of weather. Neither Henrik nor Andrè had experience from the Solingboat until they became crew members of 117 this spring.
The coast outside Bergen is protected by a number of islands, so we often have changing conditions with some gusty winds.
The training where photo was taken was 5 June and 15-20 knots wind was reported. This training had everything, with good wind until it suddenly became quiet and we saw black clouds. These came in from the west and sometimes brought hailstorms with them. From having the warmest month of May ever, we have had cold and wet weather in June. Sessions like this with lots of wind and cold rain put us to the test and we get to test both boat and crew. We call them HTFU sessions..
We are looking forward to the World Championships in Hankø and will compete with an open mind and great competitive spirit in a boat that has potential that is waiting to be taken out
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