Actual News
Elena Nova again winning the Copa del Rey in ORC 1 2024
120 teams from 23 nations were competing in the prestige regatta in Palma de Mallorca. In nine races Elena Nova wins the podium in very tough series with the first places on the last day of the Copa.
Before, the team won the Trofeo Conde de Godo BMW in Barcelona and the Trofeo SM Reina Sofia in Valencia in ORC 1.
This was one of the best seasons ever for the Spanish team and skipper/owner Christian Plump.
Another successfull year for Elena Nova
The year 2023 has been very successfull for our team. In May Elena Nova won the Palma Vela in Mallorca in ORC1, gained the 3rd place in the race Conde de Godo, Barcelona, and made 1st place in Trofeo S.M. Reina Sofia in Valencia. All 3 races count to win the title „Campeon de Circuito Mediterrano de Vela. (Winner of the Spanish Championship).
On top, the team won the COPA DEL REY in ORC1. In this long regatta the team was supported by the new sponsor „PALIBEX“, a fast delivery logistical transport company in Spain. Accordingly the yacht was renamed for the COPA DEL REY in PALIBEX - ELENA NOVA.
The sponsor and the crew are very happy with the mutual successful project.
Elena Nova wins title again
A good start into the season 2023. Palma Vela regatta with 110 yachts from 20 nations took place in Palma de Mallorca from 5. - 7. May 2023. Elena Nova wins in ORC 1 against 16 competing yachts as one of the smallest boats in very tough conditions.
40. Copa del Rey - Elena Nova on the podium
Elena Nova won the Silver Medal in the prestigious Copa del Rey regatta, which was organized from the 1. - 6. August in Palma de Mallorca. 114 teams from 18 nations were participating in the race, which took place in the Bay of Palma under difficult wind conditions.
Although Elena Nova could not be optimized in time for the BMW ORC 2 class, due to a crash during the Swan 42 WorldChampionship in Valencia 3 weeks ago, the team performed exceptionally well with 6 out of 11 races being the first ship over the finishing line. However, after a corrected time factor of approximately 20 seconds per race, Elena Nova achieved only second place overall against two other Swan 42’s that were optimized for ORC racing.
Nevertheless, the result was a great success for the team under this unfavorable scoring.
The new project of Elena Nova Swan 42 wins the Palma Vela in 2022
The team Christian Plump, Javier Sanz and Rodrigo Sanz gained 1. Place in the prestigious regatta Palma Vela in Palma de Mallorca. The difficult and changing winds allowed only 3 races in ORC 2 but the preparation of Elena Nova for this important race and the intensive training leading to good boat handling paid off for the crew! It is for the 7. time that Elena Nova wins the Palma Vela regatta.
Strong German season opener at the Mediterranean Sea
'Elena Nova' takes second place in the PalmaVela Regatta.
Palma, 5 May 2015 - The crew of the Swan 45 'Elena Nova' had an almost perfect start to the season in the high calibre Gaastra PalmaVela Regatta that took place from 30 April to 3 May in Mallorca. In the ORC 0 class helmsman Christian Plump's team won the silver medal underlining a very good all-round performance for the German Mediterranean fleet.
Christian Plump was very satisfied with the team's performance and that of his Swan 45 'Elena Nova'. Despite that he could not help but show a little regret. After all the helmsman from Bremen was the PalmaVela winner in 2013 and 2014 and would have really liked to make it a hat-trick.
"But unfortunately it was not to be," said Christian Plump. "Although there was a TP 52 class of its own, Cesare Bressan with his 'Airis' was registered in ORC. As a light boat she is able to plane which gives her a considerable advantage. With such light winds there was really nothing we could do. In addition Bressan hardly made a mistake. Under the circumstances it’s ok that his team won with a margin of four points."
As a consequence, Christian Plump and his team have decided not to compete in the ORC World Championship in Barcelona at the end of June. "The new ORC regulations on groupings mean that we must sail against the TP 52. To be doomed to failure from the outset does not make participation attractive, even though we would love to compete for the Cup, which we have won twice in the past".
Generally Christian Plump is again extremely impressed by the PalmaVela. This regatta is not simply the opening of the Mediterranean season, but has with time developed into an absolutely top event. 140 yachts from 16 countries were at the start for the 16 participating classes.
The results of the German fleet were particularly gratifying. Apart from 'Elena Nova' in second place, very good results were achieved by 'Silva Neo' who came in fourth, 'Nimaro“' sixth, and 'Rockall IV' eighth in the ORC 0 class. Dr. Thomas Bscher's 'Open Season' won the Wally, while Claus-Peter Offen with his 'Y3K' came in third. In the MiniMax 72 yachts, Dieter Schön's 'Momo' with Markus Wieser as tactician celebrated a perfect premier in his new boat.
For further information and results go to www.palmavela.com
Photo and Video Gallery:
http://www.palmavela.com/2014/videogaleria2015/videogaleria_uk.php
http://www.flickr.com/photos/palmavela/sets/72157652241883202/
Exciting until the last minute
In February this year Christian Plump sold his Swan 45 ELENA NOVA - winning with her the Copa del Rey in 2017 in the Swan Class 45 One Design Class.
In 2019 on the 38. Copa del Rey Christian Plump and his Spanish crew managed to gain 3. Place overall in the ORC 2 Class against 17 international competitors.
„We had exciting races during the whole week facing all kinds of wind conditions. The final race on Saturday was the most important one. We finished 1. Place by 4 seconds ahead of our competitors and gained the Bronze Medal. It was very challenging until the last moment on the finishing line,“ commented Christian Plump.
‘Elena Nova’ once again Swan 45 World Championship runners-up
Off the coast of Sardinia, Christian Plump’s team won every second race, more accurately five first places in 10 races. Far, far better than any other championship contender; but in the long run it was only enough to gain an overall second place.
A brilliant series leading to certain victory was achieved by the international ‘Elena Nova’ team at the last Swan 45 World Championship in Porto Cervo in 2016. Then Christian Plump and his crew kept top-class competition at a distance the whole week and won with a clear points advantage. ‘Elena Nova’ finished outside the top two in only in one of the World Championship rounds off Porto Cervo; but this was not the case this year in mid-September at the Rolex Swan Cup. The team could not build up an advantage over the week like last time, despite the five first places. Since no races were cancelled, two poor results on the second day pulled the points down considerably.
Ten title contenders were registered for the final event of the season; and once again it was clear that almost every team could win first places. The first and the last races showed a clear will to win in Christian Plump’s international crew. Already on the first day ‘Elena Nova’ took the lead with first places and won the cup for the day, as she did on day three, but on the second day nothing went right. Two disappointing races with results low in the rankings and the crew, used to winning, were discouraged. Christian Plump and his team with three world championship titles behind them were able to rally: ‘It has always been important to me never to give up. Winning also means sometimes losing. I have always tried to put this across to my crew.’ No sooner said than done, three first places catapulted ‘Elena Nova’ out of the doldrums into the winners list, back into the fight for the title. Only one single point had to be made good against the leading Spaniards on the last day; but they were able to gain consistent places in the last races, coupled with a little luck. The World Championship runners-up title was a fitting reward after a week with five first places in 10 races. Conciliatory statistics in an unfortunately not particularly constant series for the team and Christian Plump. No other contender was able to come in with so many wins.
‘Elena Nova’ – once again the winner of the Swan 45
Class Med Trophy 2017 goes to Christian Plump and his team after completing another successful regatta season
Hamburg, 15 November 2017 – Once again helmsman Christian Plump and his crew ‘Elena Nova’ win the prestigious Swan 45 Class Med Trophy. After already winning in 2013 and 2014, the team of ‘Norddeutscher Regatta Verein’ can add another victory to its track record. Two gold medals in Palma!
The crew of the ‘Elena Nova’ already had a perfect start to the season in the top class Sail Racing Palma Vela Regatta. The international Swan 45 team with owner Christian Plump won this prestigious opening racing series for the fourth time – and fully justified. Placings for the first five races: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, DNF overall victory with an 8 point clear lead over Lennard van Oeveren’s Dutch ‘Automotions’, with among others, Danish sailing pro Jes Gram-Hansen as tactician. Yachts from the USA, Great Britain and Germany followed in the rankings.
“Part of the secret of success is the intensive training over several days before the event. We were well prepared and as reigning world champions, a little under pressure to repeat the world champion performance we produced 8 months ago,” explained Christian Plump.
Another challenge in the program for the crew of the ‘Elena Nova’ was the Copa del Rey in Majorca from 31 July to 5 August. The ambitious team achieved to be in the lead again in line with the one class rules for the number of professionals and amateurs. For the first time helmsman Christian Plump won the prestigious regatta at the Real Club Náutico de Palma.
„It could not have been any more exciting. To be honest, we made it hard for ourselves“, said Christian Plump happily. A weak first day in second-last place was promptly followed by two first and one second place. As a result, the crew had already been taken the lead after only half of the event.
But competition never sleeps. A sixth place due to an early start was once again followed by the top positions 1, 2, 2. So on the final day the crew, which is flying under the pennant of ‘Norddeutscher Regatta Verein’ were only one point ahead of Francisco Rizzos ‘Negra’ from Ecuador. Its team was supported by Guillermo Baquerizas, Coach of TP 52 ‘Azzurra’ from Argentina. Thanks to tactician Sten Mohr from Denmark ‘Elena Nova’ nevertheless was able to win the last race. By this the crew could not just regain the leadership but also class victory. Third Place went to the USA crew of ‘K-Force’.
After already winning the ORC-Worlds in 2010, the IMS-Worlds in 2007 and Swan 45 Worlds in the past year, this is another equally important victory for the crew around Christian Plump. The helmsman, who bought his used Swan 45 in 2013, took five passes before he could finally achieve the first podium position at Copa del Rey. Each year it was a very tough and tight race.
Accordingly, Christian Plump is satisfied with the outcome of the regatta season: “It’s a great result. Most of our competitors have much more experience and are used to the Mediterranean conditions. The competition is unbelievable strong. We are more than happy to celebrate our third Med Trophy.”
Swans drama in the bay of palma
‚Elena-Nova‘ wins Swan 45 Class in 36th Copa del Rey by a narrow margin
Hamburg, 09 August 2017 – Once again the crew of the Swan 45 ‚Elena Nova‘ was successful against a strong competition at the Copa del Ray that took place in Palma de Mallorca, 31 Juli – 05 August. For the first time helmsman Christian Plump wins the prestigious regatta at the Real Club Náutico de Palma.
„It could not have been any more exciting. To be honest, we made it hard for ourselves“, said Christian Plump happily. A weak first day in second-last place was promptly followed by two first and one second place. As a result, the crew had already been taken the lead after only half of the event.
But competition never sleeps. A sixth place due to an early start was once again followed by the top positions 1, 2, 2. So on the final day the crew, which is flying under the pennant of ‚Norddeutscher Regatta Verein‘ were only one point ahead of Francisco Rizzos ‚Negra‘ from Ecuador. Its team was supported by Guillermo Baquerizas, Coach of TP 52 ‚Azzurra‘ from Argentina. Thanks to tactician Sten Mohr from Denmark ‚Elena Nova‘ nevertheless was able to win the last race. By this the crew could not just regain the leadership but also class victory. Third Place went to the USA crew of ‚K-Force‘.
After already winning the ORC-Worlds in 2010, the IMS-Worlds in 2007 and Swan 45 Worlds in the past year, this is another equally important victory for the crew around Christian Plump. The helmsman, who bought his used Swan 45 in 2013, took five passes before he could finally achieve the first podium position at Copa del Rey. Each year it was a very tough and tight race.
What´s next?
After a commanding win in Palma Vela Regatta at the beginning of this season, the reigning World champs goal is top position in the Swan 45 World Championship during the Swan Nations Cup from 10 - 14 October. The Worlds will be hosted by Real Club Náutico de Palma as well.
For further information and all results see www.regatacopadelrey.com
Photo Galleries: http://www.regatacopadelrey.com/galeria/fotogaleria.php?ln=uk&ms=70
Excellent start to season in Palma Vela Regatta
'Elena Nova' dominates again in the Swan 45 class
Majorca, 4-7 May 2017 - The crew of the ‘Elena Nova’ had a perfect start to the season in the top class Sail Racing Palma Vela Regatta. The international Swan 45 team with owner Christian Plump won this prestigious opening racing series for the fourth time.
‘Part of the secret of success lay in the intensive training over several days before the event. We were well prepared and as reigning world champions, a little under pressure to repeat the world champion performance we produced 8 months ago,’ explained Christian Plump happily.
The growing fleet of Swan 45s started for the second time in their own one-design class off Palma. In previous years the Swan 45 yachts were included in the ORC category. All the more gratifying that the team, used to competing in ORC, can also compete against structurally identical competitors. Placings for the five races: 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, DNF overall victory achieved by Christian Plump & Co with an 8 point clear lead over Lennard van Oeveren’s Dutch ‘Automotions’ , with among others, Danish sailing pro Jes Gram-Hansen as tactician. Yachts from the USA, Great Britain and Germany followed in the rankings.
Christian Plump was once again deeply impressed by the 14th Palma Vela Regatta. “This regatta is not simply the first in the Mediterranean season, it has developed into an absolutely top event. It is becoming ever more important in the international regatta scene with more and more competitors with Wallys, Maxi 72, Swan Classes, ORC boats and disabled classes. On all four days Palma Bay delivered the best weather conditions for the 15 classes.”
The next challenge in the program for the crew of the 'Elena Nova’ is the Copa del Rey in Majorca from 31 July to 5 August; then, as season highlight, the Swan 45 World Championship during the Swan Nations Cup from 10 - 14 October. The ambitious team also wants to be in the lead again in line with the one class rules for the number of professionals and amateurs.
For further information and results see www.palmavela.com.
Elena Nova wins Swan 45 World Championship
Off the coast of Sardinia, Christian Plump and his Team completed a brilliant series, sailing unchallenged to victory.
Christian Plump and his Crew have already won three World Championship titles, but never in the one design class, and never with such clear dominance. In only one of the World Championship races off Porto Cervo, did ‘Elena Nova’ finish below the Top Two, “and this eighth place only happened because we had to make two penalty turns,” said an overjoyed Christian Plump.
In August, at the Copa del Rey, after the owner and his team fell back from first to third position in the last race, seeing the eternal rivals ‘Earlybird’ and ‘Esthec’ pass, did ‘Elena Nova’ go into the World Championship with two opening wins. The team were able to increase this advantage through the week with a total of five first places and two second.
The event in Porto Cervo once again showed the extremely high standard in the one design class Swan 45: The five leading boats were equally fast, with tactics and handling making the difference. The tactician positions were prominently taken by Volvo Ocean Race sailor Bouwe Bekking on ‘Esthec’, the German sailing legend Jochen Schümann on ‘Earlybird’, Extreme 40 sailor Jes Gram-Hansen on ‘Motions’, the silver medal winner in 2008 in 470er, Lobke Berkhout, on ‘Gaastra’ and the Ferrarese Match Race Team in ‘Jeroboam’.
The World Class sailor Sten Mohr on board ‘Elena Nova’ showed the way through the regatta field. Mohr, one of the best match racers in the world, took part in 2007, in the America`s Cup team BMW Oracle. As usual, he proved his great talent in the unpredictable conditions off Porto Cervo“. Despite the pressure the Crew showed great consistency; a big Thank You for this commanding performance,” said Christian Plump, the new Swan 45 World Champion. After winning, with a great weight off his shoulders, Christian Plum said: “Because of the owner-driver rule, the owner of the Swan 45 must be at the helm, with no exceptions. This great challenge binds the Crew and owner, as helmsman, so much closer together’. The winning crew of the ‘Elena Nova’ in addition to Plump and Mohr included Stefan Matschuck (CEO North Sails Germany), crew manager Leif Tom Loose and other internationally successful yachtsmen like Piotr Przybylski, Klaas Höpcke, Malte Päsler, Hinnerk Müller, Robin Zinkmann, Holger Lehning, Marcus Illies and Sören Woitack.
After a perfect end to the season the team of the ‘Elena Nova’ is already motivated and looking towards 2017. The one design class Swan 45 is on an upward trend and many international teams have signalled their intention to increase their presence at Mediterranean events. The coming season also promises exciting duels in the Swan 45 Class. The key focus being in the bay off Palma de Mallorca.
For further information and results see www.yccs.it
High class Swan duel in the Mediterranean
'Elena Nova' takes third place in Swan 45 Class in 35th Copa del Rey
Hamburg/Palma, 09 August 2016 - the crew of the Swan 45 'Elena Nova' once again showed her class at the Copa del Rey that took place in Palma, Majorca, 1 - 6 August. The Swan 45 team, with helmsman Christian Plump, wins the bronze medal behind 'Earlybird' (Hamburg) and 'Esthec' (Netherlands). She was almost able to make it right to the front.
Victory was within sight for the crew of the 'Elena Nova' on the last day of the Copa del Rey. 'Earlybird' had kept a close lead for the whole week, but then, in the penultimate ninth race helmsman Christian Plump's international team were able to turn the tables to their advantage: "In the ninth race, achieving second place, we took overall lead."
Then there was a delay in the start and every minute that passed seemed to ensure the crew could repeat their triumph at this years' Palma Vela Regatta. But then just before the time limit expired a tenth race was started. The crew of the 'Elena Nova' positioned themselves on the advantageous left side at the start line, but the wind turned sharply to the right. Christian Plump and his crew could no longer better the competition and had to watch as 'Earlybird' and Esthec' sailed into positions one and two. 'Elena Nova' took only seventh place in the tenth race, winning the bronze medal overall.
The Copa del Rey, alongside the regattas in Porto Cervo and St. Tropez, are the traditional highlights of the Mediterranean season and once again for the 35th time attracted top international competitors. The two-time Olympic winner Iker Martínez won the ORC 0 Class with Pedro Campos’ Rodman 42 ‘Movistar’ and in the GC32, the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race winner, Frank Cammas and his team won in 'Norauto'. The legendary Terry Hutchinson and Adrian Stead were both in the afterguard for the successful 'Belle Mente' in the Maxi 72 Class.
Competition in the largest one design class was very strong. Bouwe Bekking, from the Netherlands, who competed in the Volvo Ocean Race eight times, and Peter van Niekerk two-times winner in the Americas' Cup with 'Alinghi' were both on the Swan 45 'Esthec'. Arch rival 'Earlybird' acquired no lesser a person than Jochen Schümann. On 'Motions' in fifth place, Jes Gram Hansen showed the way through the one design class.
Good news from the point of view of the Swan 45 Class: With 14 starters from six nations at the Copa del Rey this was the largest one design class. "After more than 15 years since its beginning the Swan 45 celebrated its renaissance," said Christian Plump happily. At least 17 boats are expected at the World Championship in mid-September in Porto Cervo, among them rivals 'Earlybird' and Christian Plump's 'Elena Nova'. He is very sure: "In Porto Cervo we want to be out front from the very beginning."
For further information and results see www.regatacopadelrey.com.
For photos see regatacopadelrey and martinezstudio.
Opening victory in Palma Vela Regatta
'Elena Nova' wins first race of season in Swan 45 Class
Majorca, 8 May 2016 - a perfect start to the season for Christian Plump with his 'Elena Nova' crew at the high calibre Gaastra Palma Vela Regatta, which took place in Majorca from 4 - 8 May 2016. The German Swan 45 team won this prestigious series in 2013 and 2014, now for the third time.
New this year was that the Swan 45 fleet increased and raced in a one-design class for the first time. In previous years the Swan 45 yachts were included in the ORC category. All the more pleasing that the 'Elena Nova' was able to win over six identically built competitors. Placings for the five races: 1, 1, 2, 1, 3 secured an overall win with a two-point advantage for Christian Plump & Co over the other German yacht 'Early Bird' with Hendrik Brandis. Yachts from the Netherlands, Great Britain and Spain followed in the rankings.
Christian Plump was very pleased with both the performance of his team and his yacht. "The season could not have started better," said the owner and helmsman after the award ceremony. "The boat came up to our expectations upwind as well as downwind." In addition the Bremen yachtsman praised his crew’s work: "Just as last season the continuously good crewing was a major factor for the excellent performance and first-class result."
Christian Plump was once again deeply impressed by PalmaVela. This regatta is not simply the first in the Mediterranean season, it has developed into an absolutely top event. The next challenge in the program for the crew of the 'Elena Nova' is the Copa del Rey (30 July - 6 August on Majorca) and as season highlight the Swan 45 World Championship (11- 18 September on Sardinia).
For further information and results see www.palmavela.com.
Or you can visit the Photo and Video Gallery.
Strong finish in a successful 2015 regatta season for Christian Plump
The result could not have been closer. Christian Plump & Co. were only half a point away from winning. After leading the ORC 1 field for five days during the Copa del Rey, the Italian 'BMW Sail Race Academy' with Match Race Champ Simone Ferrarese at the helm still managed to slide past 'Elena Nova' in the last race. It was very tight behind 'Elena Nova' too. In 3rd place followed the four-times world champion Hendrick Brandis in 'Earlybird' with tactician Jochen Schümann.
"The week was a real challenge," confirmed Christian Plump after the award ceremony. "They were unbelievably exciting races." Despite losing out on the win Christian Plump, owner and helmsman of the 'Elena Nova' was pleased with the result. "The competition was at the highest level. The yachts were manned by Olympic athletes, the best match-race yachtsmen and ORC world champions. It was absolutely top notch!"
It is not without reason that the Copa del Rey is known as the unofficial world championship. This year the regatta shone once again with a large field of entries. A total of 130 yachtsmen were at the start, 44 of them in the King's Class ORC 1.
Already at the beginning of the season the crew of the 'Elena Nova' showed top form. The team took 2nd place in the Gaastra Palma Vela Regatta, held from 30 April to 3 May 2015 in Mallorca. The Trofeo Conde de Godo in Barcelona followed in June where 'Elena Nova' took 3rd place.
Suitably satisfied Christian Plump said: "That was a very successful season. We have not taken part in the Mediterranean circus for very long, and other crews have know the Swan 45 for considerably longer than us. Despite that we have reached the top level within two and a half years. The mix of a younger crew, very experienced trimmers and a really competitive boat has paid off."
Christian Plump will follow this recipe for success next year: Regular crew members, targeted training and optimising the boat further should bring more podium places in 2016. Participation in the Palma Vela Regatta, the Copa del Rey and the Swan 45 World championship in Sardinia are planned.
Further information and the results for Copa del Rey on: www.regatacopadelrey.com
"Elena Nova" becomes ORC European Vice-Champion
Valencia, Spain, 9 July 2014 - The crew of the Swan 45 "Elena Nova" earns second place after an exciting final in the ORC championship (1 - 6 July 2014) Valencia, Spain. The team sailing with the owner and helmsman from Bremen, Christian Plump only just missed the gold medal in Group A. They were 3.6 points behind the Romanian winner "Natalia", a Swan 42.
There was no sense of disappointment to be seen from Christian Plump and his team. "We are very satisfied with the result. The amount of work and training have paid off. Unfortunately, due to the difficult wind conditions, with turns of up to 270 degrees on the last day we were unable to hold onto first place gained the day before. We had back luck!" said the owner and was very sporting about the lost title chance.
Following a good performance at the start of the European Championships, a 60 nautical mile-long offshore race, as well as outstanding results in the subsequent inshore races, the "Elena Nova" went into the final day as leading yacht. However, there were just 1.4 points between the German Swan 45 and the runner-up "Natalia" from Romania.
An exciting showdown was expected before Valencia, ultimately benefiting the Swan 42 with cox Natalia Brailoiu and her professional Italian crew. In the last race she finished in second place, with light, strongly rotating winds, overtaking the "Elena Nova" in the overall result. The victory of the XP-44 "Koyama" in this dramatic final gave the British team the bronze medal in Group A behind "Elena Nova". 21 yachts were at the start. The reigning world champion "ORCi Hurakan", with Italian star-studded crew including Tommaso Chieffi, sailing a TP 52, landed only the fourth place.
But the new European vice-champion is not only satisfied with the outcome of the European Championship. "This is the third race in a row we have sailed successfully. The challenge has been rising steadily as the competition has become stronger and stronger from race to race. We have proven that our team is internationally competitive." And that is what the "Elena Nova" Crew will demonstrate next in the Copa del Rey, taking place from 2 - 9 August in Palma de Mallorca. Then, the fully integrated team will face six sister ships among others.
More information and all the results of the ORC European Championship can be found at www.trofeoreina.es.
Strong German season opener in the Mediterranean
"Elena Nova" once again wins the Palma Vela
Palma, 5 May 2014 - At the beginning of May the crew of the Swan 45 "Elena Nova" got off to a convincing start to the season in the Gaastra Palma Vela Regatta in Mallorca. The team once again won the prestigious racing series in the ORC 0 premium class, thanks to a consistent series.
Christian Plump was especially pleased to achieve the best result among the German participants at the beginning of the season: "There was no wind, then up to 20 knots, with coastal, up and down races a regatta with a wide spectrum. The races were usually under match race-like conditions and demanded everything from crew and boat. The former match race world champion Piotr Przybylski from Poland was a great help."
In previous years Christian Plump and the team had only sailed ORC races in northern Europe, where they made a name for themselves as two-time World and European champions. In 2013 came the change to the Mediterranean, which is well-known for its tough Regattas. In March of last year Christian Plump bought a used Swan 45 that had previously sailed in very few regattas. During the winter, with a lot of work he brought it into competitive condition for regattas. In addition, the owner of the "Elena Nova" had a powerful crew. Alongside experienced sailors like Stefan Matschuck (CEO of North Sails) and Leif Tom Loose from Germany, with whom Christian Plump has sailed together with for years, the crew was complemented with more yachtsmen from Italy and Denmark, including the America's Cup contender Sten Mohr.
The concept seemed to pay off, such as illustrated by the victory in Palma de Mallorca. Of course Christian Plump & Co want to maintain their good performance in the next races. At the beginning of June follows the inshore Giraglia Rolex Cup in St. Tropez, then the ORCi European Championship in Valencia, the famous Copa del Rey in Palma, as season highlight the Swan 45 World Championship in Porto Cervo and finally the Les Voiles de St. Tropez in October.
To continue the successes of the past ORC series is certainly a challenge. During the last thirteen years, in addition to numerous German championship titles, Christian Plump has chalked up two world and two European championship victories. What will the next one be?
More information and all the results can be found at www.palmavela.com.
Photo and video gallery:
www.palmavela.com/2014/videogaleria2014/videogaleria_uk.php
https://www.flickr.com/photos/infosailing/sets/72157641865294843/
'Elena Nova' wins Swan 45 Class Med Trophy
Successful 2014 regatta season for owner Christian Plump and his team
Hamburg, 6. November 2014 – Christian Plump and his 'Elena Nova' crew from the North German Regatta Club (NRV) have won the prestigious Swan 45 Class Med Trophy for the second time running. Four regattas, four medals! A successful track record for the German sailing team.
The result could not have been any closer. With the same number of points (6) as the second placed Swan 45, 'Earlybird', also from NRV, Christian Plump & co. ended the 2014 regatta season clinching the Med Trophy, with the results of four Mediterranean races taken into account. Both teams had the same result, each with two firsts and two second places, making the final race the decider. With first place at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 'Elena Nova' secured an overall win in the Swan 45 Class Med Trophy ahead of 'Earlybird'. 'Vondeling' from Great Britain was beaten into third place 21 meters behind.
Christian Plump, owner and skipper from Bremen was well satisfied: "It is a really good result." We are just at the start, in the second season with this boat in the Mediterranean. Our competitors though, have known their boats and the Mediterranean sailing conditions for much, much longer. In addition the competition is very tough here. With this background I can say without doubt: “We have arrived in the Mediterranean".
The high point of this year's regatta season was the Swan 45 World Championship in Porto Cervo. On Sardinia's Emerald Coast we were to experience the most exciting race of the year. Only one point behind 'Earlybird', the 'Elena Nova ' team just missed winning the championship title, but they were very pleased with their silver medal. Christian Plump: "As twice world champion in other classes, I have never before experienced such an exciting race. At times we were in the lead, then 'Earlybird' that has been ahead in the Swan 45 class for many years. Unbelievable!" Even more satisfying as his team was a neck ahead of the reigning world champions in the Med Trophy.
"The training with the regular crew and the optimization of our boat by our boat captain Holger Lehning paid off. In addition, the strong performance of our experienced trimmers Leif Tom Loose, Stefan Matschuck and Piotre Przybylski and tactician Sten Mohr, the last two with experience of the America's Cup, led to a positive result. A superb team performance," concluded the helmsman from Bremen.
In 2015 'Elena Nova' intends to be consistently among the front runners. "Then we will attack again. But until then we have a lot of hard work to do," says Christian Plump. A possible season highlight could be the ORCi World Championship in Barcelona at the beginning of July, 2015. But before that there are one or two jobs still to be done.
You will find further information and results on the Swan 45 Class page on: www.swan45class.com
'Elena Nova' brand new Vice Champion
Thrilling finish for German Swan 45 in battle off the coast of Sardinia
Porto Cervo, Sardinia, 18 September 2014 – Christian Plump and his Crew in the Swan 45 'Elena Nova' missed the Rolex Swan Cup title by a hair's breadth after a nail-biting finish in the World Championship (8 – 14 September 2014). The team together with its helmsman and owner, earned the Silver Medal in the One-Design Regatta, only one point behind in the last race they had to give way to the German 'Earlybird'.
The showdown took place against the celebrated, magnificent backdrop in Porto Cervo that gave its best from mistral wind to dead calm. There was no sense of disappointment to be seen from Christian Plump and his team. "We can be satisfied with the result. As twice world champion, I have never before experienced such an exciting race. At times we were ahead then 'Earlybird' that has been leading in the Swan 45 class for many years. Lots of optimizing work on the boat and training have paid off. Unfortunately, we had to give way to the Swan 45, winner of many World Championships, this season tactically led by Jochen Schümann. For the whole week we shared the lead alternately with 'Earlybird'. Unbelievable!" said the owner of 'Elena Nova' , accepting second place with good sportsmanship.
After the wins at Palma Vela and Giraglia, and a very close runner-up at the ORCi European Championship, this was another second place this season. "We changed to the Swan 45 last year and were immediately able to get amongst the leaders. It exceeded my expectations by far and is a great achievement for our experienced Captain, qualified sailmaker and rigger, Holger Lehning, who gained his experience on boats like the TP52 'Container' among others."
The Vice World Champion is well satisfied with the course of the Regatta season. "This is the fifth regatta in a row we have sailed successfully, the challenge has risen steadily as the competition has got stronger and stronger from race to race. It has shown that our team of experienced professionals and young upcoming yachtsmen can sail internationally at the highest level." The 'Elena Nova' crew will prove exactly that at the traditional "Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez" Regatta from 29 September to 4 October in the South of France. Then the well worked-in team will meet among others, sister ships as well as the new World Champion. It will be exciting right up to the end of the season.
Further information and results of the Rolex Swan Cup, Swan 45 World Championship: www.yccsfiles.com/results/rsc14/res/s14_45_g.htm
Dress rehearsal: 'Elena Nova' receives bronze from the King of Spain
Palma de Mallorca, 16 August 2014 - the crew of the Swan 45 'Elena Nova' won third place in the ORCi Kings Class at the prestigious Copa del Rey. In a top-quality line-up with 38 starters from eleven nations King Felipe of Spain personally handed the prize to helmsman and owner Christian Plump on the podium.
The result is without doubt a great achievement for the 'Elena Nova' team. Despite problems at the start the crew improved from race to race throughout the ten regattas. "We met winner Manuel Doreste, the defending champion from Spain, four weeks previously at the European Championships in Valencia. There we were achieved a convincing win over the Spanish Swan 45 'Rats On Fire', with helmsman Rafael Carbonell Pujol. This time however, he very deservedly won and completing an almost faultless series. With five first places in 10 races and a 7th place as the poorest result the Spanish team were the best by far and deserved to win this year's Copa del Rey," reflected Christian Plump.
After changing to the Swan 45 in spring 2013 this is a respectable result. "After all we are only in the second season. Whereas our opponents have known their boat much longer and competition in the tough Mediterranean race circuit is extremely strong," says the skipper. And so the skipper from Bremen is satisfied with his team's performance and position. "In addition the 'Elena Nova' is purely a OneDesign ship. This means that the current boat configuration is not yet optimised for the ORCi standard that applies for this ship’s size in the Copa del Rey. This represents, without question great potential," says twice world champion (IMS and ORCi) Christian Plump, who has invested a lot of time and energy working on optimisation in the past.
Internally it was something like a dress rehearsal. In only three weeks the World Championship begins for the Swan 45 in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. And so it is no wonder that here and there surprises appear, like a broken knee-cap, which temporarily shocked the team. A replacement had to be found. Or back stay hydraulics failure, which affected the speed and flexibility when tacking in some races. Of course, Plump & Co want to finish among the leaders in the WM. That is clear for him already.
For more information, all results and pictures go to: www.regatacopadelrey.com or:
"Elena Nova" wins Giraglia Rolex Cup
German Swan 45 crew sailed to their second win of the season
Saint-Tropez , France, 23 June 2014 - The crew of the Swan 45 "Elena Nova" win 1 place in the Giraglia Rolex Cup IRC C class in the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (15 -17 June). A sixth, third and first place in the three inshore races secured the team owner and helmsman Christian Plump overall victory, tied with the second-placed "Team Vision Future" (GP 42) from Switzerland.
The Giraglia Rolex Cup is one of the most prestigious off-shore races in the Mediterranean. Far more than 200 yachts and numerous international top yachtsmen gathered together for the 62nd edition on the Cote d'Azur. Alone in the IRC A Group, the largest one, over 45 ships were at the start, including four Swan 45s.
"The victory at the Giraglia is particularly important for us, because our boat's all round capability upwind, downwind and tacking both in strong wind, calm and waves, was so convincing," said a happy Christian Plump after the award ceremony. In addition, the crew's maneuvering was virtually flawless. "In the first two races we made tactical errors, without which we would almost certainly already have been at the top before the last day." So it was really exciting again - with a good end for the "Elena Nova", with everything going their way in the third race.
The three, about 30 sea-mile-long inshore races were held off the port of Saint-Tropez and demanded everything from all the crews. The wind conditions were extremely varied and ranged from 0 to 20 knots. The regatta was characterized by many sail changes and lots of tactical finesse.
"The training with the regular crew and the optimization of our boat by our captain Holger Lehning paid off. In addition, the strong performance of our experienced trimmers Leif Tom Loose, Stefan Matschuck and Piotre Przybylski and tactician Sten Mohr led to a positive result. A superb team performance," concluded the helmsman from Bremen.
After the victory in the season opener in May at the Palma Vela Regatta and winning the Giraglia Rolex Cup, expectations for the next race of course are high. The next events in the racing calendar for the "Elena Nova" are the ORCi European Championship in Valencia, the famous Copa del Rey in Palma and the season highlight, the Swan 45 World Championship in Porto Cervo. There the team will certainly be competing out front.
More information and the results for the Giraglia Rolex Cup at www.yachtclubitaliano.it/en/regattas/regate-2012/giraglia-Rolex-cup.
Photo and video gallery:
http://regattanews.com/gallery.aspx?eid=341&year=2014&clid=0&ctid=100
Elena Nova wins Swan 45 Class Med Trophy
Successful closing of the season at Les Voiles de St. Tropez
St. Tropez, France, 9th October 2013
The crew of Elena Nova became 3rd in the IRC Class C. With this result the Skipper Christian Plump and his team finished their first season in the Swan 45 Class crowned with the Med Trophy 2013.
After his last event for this season, Christian Plump is very positive about the performance of his first year in the Med: “as a newcomer in the Class I really didn’t expect us to become best Swan 45 and win this prestigious title”. For the Med Trophy the results of Giraglia Rolex Cup and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez have been taken into account. At this two events Elena Nova became first and second and could win the series with four points ahead of the Italian ‚Thetis’ within the Swan 45 ranking.
Because of their convincing performance at Les Voiles Christian Plump could carry home the Med Trophy. Though the team became third overall behind Romanian “Natalia“, a Club Swan 42 and “Earlybird” (Swan 45) and therefore finished within the Swan 45 Class ‚only’ second, Christian Plump is satisfied with this result: “If we look at it closer, we finished each of the four races in front of “Earlybird”. Only because of the 10 percent time penalty for the early start in the first race we finished third. In our opinion this was caused by an irregularity of “Earlybird”. We can live with that and didn’t want to protest. Instead we enjoyed the thrilling racing against “Earlybird” and the other Swan 45’s. I am very proud of the performance of our team in this first Med season 2013.
In the IRC-class B were two other German teams very successful. ‚Moana’ and ‚Desna’ became second and third at their class.
This season just finished but preparations for the next year already started. In addition to the annual events 2014 the Swan 45 World Championship will be held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. A top result will be the goal for this highlight of the season.
More information and results at ‚Les Voiles’ and Swan 45 Med Trophy can be found here:
www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
Download: overall_results_2013.pdf
Elena Nova misses the podium
Fourth place for Christian Plump at the 32nd Copa del Rey, Majorca
Palma de Majorca, 5th of August 2013
The traditional and highly competitive event Copa del Rey hosted 36 teams of eleven nations within the premier class ORCi 1. The crew of Swan 45 Elena Nova became fourth in this top-class cast and missed the podium only by a hair’s breadth.
This result is a great achievement for the team Elena Nova. Nevertheless little disappointment hung in the air at the end of the series. After a difficult kick-off the crew improved their performance within the following six racing days. „If we were able to perform constant as in the last days we could have sailed in the front row“, concluded Christian Plump at the events end.
Yet the owner is happy with the performance of his team. It is the first season for Elena Nova with this boat and on this highly competitive playground called the Med. To become fourth as the best German team is a remarkable achievement and promising concerning the potential of the crew. At this event the Who is Who of the international sailors were gathered together, like New Zealand tactician and America’s Cup sailor Brad Butterworth and the Spanish crown prince Felipe.
Well-known names could also be found on board of Elena Nova. America’s Cup trimmer Piotr Przybylski (Poland) and the CEO of North Sails Germany, Stefan Matschuck from Hamburg, were responsible for the boat speed. The main sheet was handled by Leif Tom Loose, World and European Champion in different classes.
Nevertheless difficult wind conditions made constant successful sailing almost impossible. Nearly every competitor had a bad race on his list. Only the winner, the Spanish Swan 45 ‚Rats on Fire’ with helmsman Rafael Carbonell Pujol performed a steady successful series. Within ten races five times first place and as worst result a fifth place this team convinced and rightfully won the Copa del Rey.
More information and all results on www.regatacopadelrey.com
Best Swan 45 at Giraglia
St. Tropez, 21st of June 2013
The team of Elena Nova continues its winning streaks at the Rolex Giraglia Cup which took place June 17th till 19th in St. Tropez. Against a very competitive field Christian Plump and his crew convinced as best German team and a fifth place over all, being best boat by far within the fleet of Swan 45’s.
Up till the last racing day a place within the top three was in reach. But light wind conditions took their toll. An hour of absolute calm challenged the nerves of the crew. In the end they finished 18th which was still agreeable considering the circumstances.
As a newcomer in the Med Elena Nova is the team much spoken of. With this result the racing crew proofed the successful start at the Palma Vela Regatta in May not as a flash in the pan but stood up to the strong competitors from France and Italy. Even the team "Blue Nights" with the America's Cup sailor Tommaso Chieffi as tactician was left behind finishing 30st place.
Apparently the new concept is paying off. Next opportunity to prove is the famous Copa del Rey on Mallorca end of July. Here Christian Plump and his team will meet the same Swan 45 fleet and is determined to have the edge on.
Please find more information and results at www.yachtclubitaliano.it
Elena Nova wins Palma Vela
Christian Plump and his new Swan 45 project takes off
Palma, May 7th, 2013
The crew of Swan 45 Elena Nova kicks off the season with a compelling performance at Palma Vela. With four wins and one second place the team won this prestigious series even with an older boat construction under ORC I rating. The dutch team of Willem Wester with "Antilope" and the "GC Dr. Luis Senis" from Spain became second and third.
Owner and crew were challenged by the new boat and new racing grounds in the Med but mastered both convincingly well with this surprise victory. The past years Christian Plump and his team successfully sailed in northern Europe. Here they have proven their capability as world class sailors and became World and European champion twice.
In 2013, Christian Plump decided to sail regattas in the Mediterranean, which is known for its strong and fierce competition. Elena Nova, a Swan 45, was acquired in 2013 by helmsman Christian Plump. He transformed this 2003 built Swan into a fast and competitive yacht.
The crew is competitive too. To the long term and very experienced German crew, additional members from Italy and Denmark joined the team: amongst others Jesper Radich and Danish Martin Kirketerp, who won a gold medal in the 49er Olympic Games 2008.
The new concept seems to pay off as proven by this first victory at Palma Vela. Motivated by this success, Cristian Plump and his team is eager to push for more victories to come. Next regattas are to follow in May in Barcelona and Giraglia in St. Tropez, Copa del Rey in Palma in August and finally Les Voiles de St. Tropez in October.
To meet the success of recent years is surely a great challenge. Many European and World titles are on the list of Christian Plump as well as high rankings at international championships. The owner, the crew and Elena Nova are ready for it.
More Information and all Results: www.palmavela.com.
Fotogalery: http://www.palmavela.com/fotogaleria2013/fotogaleria_uk.php