UCA – comeback kid
With spring approaching, the countdown to Gotland Runt has begun and we decided to take the temperature on the hyper-interesting boat UCA, a Knerim 86 built in 2002 and which, after a lazy life, makes a comeback during this year's Gotland Runt.
We had a chat with the skipper Steffen Mueller to get the lay of the land of the boat and the crew for the 2024 season.
UCA which was built in 2002 specifically for the Daimler Chrysler North Atlantic Challenge 2003 has during the last year been brought back to life and after some sailing with some good friends over the past few years the decision was made to seriously return to ocean racing.
What can you say about the condition of the boat and training plans?
- The boat was brought back to life in 2023 and during the winter we carried out an extensive refit. The boat looks like new, has been upgraded technically and currently we are preparing the boat for the transport to Sweden and Gotland Runt. The boat is still in its winter storage, so we have not yet started training. For the season, we also decided to change color and she is now resprayed in green metallic, she looks like an aged disco queen.
What are the plans for the 2024 season? Any more racing in the Baltic Sea?
- It is very hard to organize a crew of 18-22 people for racing, so at the moment, we are planning Gotland Runt and then we see….
What are the preferred wind conditions for the boat? What are you hoping to see during the Gotland Runt in terms of weather and wind?
- Reaching in medium breeze would be best for us, we just do not know where to order the weather conditions.
The team, what can you tell us? Have you sailed together for a long time? Any Swedes onboard helping to navigate the waters around Gotland?
- There are no Swedes onboard, it is a group of best agers supported by some younger guys, all very keen and excited to sail on a big boat. And all very keen to have a good time in Sandhamn.
Any previous Gotland Runt experience in the team?
- Some of the guys have sailed Gotland Runt before on boats like “Varuna”, “Almost Nothing” and other. Once you have done it, you want to do it again.
This year the start is in Sandhamn and there is no race throughout the Stockholm archipelago. Your view on this update for 2024 race? Would you have benefitted from starting in Stockholm and racing through the archipelago?
- For us, it is easier to start in Sandhamn avoiding too many maneuvers on our way through the islands. However, it has always been nice sailing with a lot of interesting spots to pass. Of course, it is nice to prepare the boat in Stockholm so I think logistically, Stockholm is much easier. But we look forward to Sandhamn and I am sure we will have a great time!
During our conversation with Steffen, it becomes evident that the team is excited to a come to Sandhamn with a refitted boat with a qualified team that are ready to give everything from start to finish!
We wish you great luck from KSSS!
/Henrik Cavalli
KSSS Information Committee
