Seiko Watch Sponsors 49er European Championships
Wednesday - 31 October 2012
63 teams representing 18 nations took part in the 2012 Seiko 49er European Championships at Lake Garda in northern Italy, with Seiko watches presented to the medal-winning teams.
The 49er is the fastest boat in the Olympic regatta, capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots. Held in September 2012, the Seiko 49er European Champions began with two days of qualifying races, followed by ten races over three days. The final places were decided in a Grand Final - a new style of race where the four leading teams compete on a spectator-friendly 'winner takes all' course.
Teams from France, Denmark, Great Britain and Croatia reached the Grand Final. Croatia missed out on a medal, but won the 'Seiko King of the Downwind' prize of US $2,500 for achieving the best overall time for downwind legs of selected races.
The Grand Final was won by the French team, with the Danish crew taking silver and Great Britain in third. Each of the medal winners received a Seiko Velatura 49er Class Chronograph watch, as well as the spinnakers, sailing vests and other equipment donated by Seiko. The watch was created in tribute to the brand's partnership with the International 49er Class Association, which was announced in 2007.
The 49er is the fastest boat in the Olympic regatta, capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots. Held in September 2012, the Seiko 49er European Champions began with two days of qualifying races, followed by ten races over three days. The final places were decided in a Grand Final - a new style of race where the four leading teams compete on a spectator-friendly 'winner takes all' course.
Teams from France, Denmark, Great Britain and Croatia reached the Grand Final. Croatia missed out on a medal, but won the 'Seiko King of the Downwind' prize of US $2,500 for achieving the best overall time for downwind legs of selected races.
The Grand Final was won by the French team, with the Danish crew taking silver and Great Britain in third. Each of the medal winners received a Seiko Velatura 49er Class Chronograph watch, as well as the spinnakers, sailing vests and other equipment donated by Seiko. The watch was created in tribute to the brand's partnership with the International 49er Class Association, which was announced in 2007.
