Japan O'pen BIC Preliminary Series for O'pen BIC World Cup 2010

The Japan O'pen BIC Cup, the preliminary for the O’pen BIC World Cup 2010, consists of four times Series. Serious but enjoyable races were going very well. Series 2 and 3 were held on May 22 and May 23 at the Koroen-hama Beach, Nishinomiya, where locates between Osaka and Kobe and which is called one of three famous sailing areas in Japan. On May 22 it was sunny and warm like summer, but on May 23 the weather reserved itself and it was very cold with heavy rain. The regattas were great successful  in spite of such difficult condition.
Series 1 already completed Dec 13 the end of last 2009 year.
The series is organised by the Japan O’pen BIC Class Association with support from the Sasakawa Sports Foundation. The event welcomed a total of 40 competitors throughout three series from various parts of Japan. Although the number of competitors was not plenty, but owing to the increase in number of beginners, competitions have being keener.
This event was open to all competitors of all levels and gave a good chance to beginners and veteran sailors – Optimist, Laser and Dragon class sailors, from 10 years old to 50 years old, for instance.
The Association reserves 23 O’pen BIC boats. One chartered the boat and the other brought by oneself in tow of car.

A basic racing format is governed by the O’pen BIC Standard Event Rules and the ISAF Introductory Rules for Racing. Both rules were translated into Japanese and bound a booklet in a water proof paper. In every event, the organiser provided the booklet for participants and gave kind and careful instruction at the first meeting.
An umpire boat was always on the sea, then there was no protest and competitors were kept out of the protest room.

Some spectator boats followed the racing boats out of curiosity because it was a rare chance to watch O’pen BIC boats and its tracing style in Japan.
Sandwich and snack served as a lunch, and BBQ "YAKINIKU" party was given by the event organiser and volunteer staffs after the prize giving ceremony. "Kobe Beef" is very delicious and well-known among gourmets all over the world.

A delegate for the O'pen BIC World Cup will be selected through the results of four series. At present, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place are a junior high school boy (beginner), a junior high school boy (Optimist sailor) and a junior high school girl (beginner). But the series winner has not been decided yet. The final 4th series is to take place within summer.

All of our persons concerned with O’pen BIC are looking forward to meeting many sailors from various countries at the World Cup 2010.
Have fun!
Past related articles;
2010-04-13「JAPAN O'pen BIC Cup 2010年度 第2戦・第3戦」
http://ventoorientale.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2010/04/japan-open-bic-.html
2009-11-22 「JAPAN O'pen BIC Cup 2010」
http://ventoorientale.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/11/japan-open-bic-.html
2009-06-10 「O'pen BIC CLASS / ISAF Introductory Rules for Racing」
http://ventoorientale.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/06/open-bic-cup-is.html
2009-05-28 「ISAF Introductory Rules for Racing （仮称：入門レース・ルール）」
http://ventoorientale.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2009/05/test-1.html