What they are saying

Many Stars of the olympic sailing circuit have competed at international events hosted by Spartacus Sailing Club on the waters of Balatonföldvár. Some of them – including Olympic Champion Fredrik Lööf – shared their thoughts on sailing at Lake Balaton.

FREDRIK LÖÖF, Sweden
(International debut on the Optimist World Championship 1984, 5x Olympian, 2x bronze medalist, 4x World Champion, Olympic Champion London 2012)

It’s always a pleasure to come and race on Balaton. I have experienced a number of regattas on Balaton and always been very happy with the winds and the conditions on the Lake. Not only light winds as at times there are stronger winds and more challenging conditions. If I have the chance of coming back in the near future I come right away.

Best sailing regards
Freddy Lööf

HANS SPITZAUER, Austria
(4x Olympian, World Champion, Olympic campaign for London 2012)

Lake Balaton is a fantastic sailing place and offers nice wind conditions – from light winds to windy conditions  depending on weather situations. The racing area is close to the club and gives a lot of opportunities to have good races. The racing committee is very experienced and runs races perfect – races are in time-starting lines are even – and courses are set perfect and get changed if necessary.
Furthermore on shore you are supported perfectly by members of the club and the atmosphere is very friendly and you feel like being member of a big sailing family!
I can recommend the Spartacus Yacht Club for every sailor in the world – come racing and enjoy your time!

Yours
Hans Spitzauer

LARS GRAEL, Brazil
(Olympic Medallist 1988,1996 in Tornado Class, Star Class Bronze at 2009 Worlds. Former Brazilian Sports National Secretary)

I was invited for the 2008 Star Class European Championship in Balatonfoldvar – Hungary. At the beginning I’ve heard some criticism about lack of winds and local infrastructure.
I can guarantee that all sailors were accepted with a great hospitality and we had wonderful sailing conditions every day, every race. Club was perfect, food and hotel was great and we had a day to visit the marvelous Budapest.
Balatonfoldvar was great experience that I’d like to have it back again! Optimist class, you will be positively surprised as I was.

Have a good competition!
Lars Grael

MAXWELL TREACY, Ireland
(Irish Optimist Champion 1988, Olympic campaign for London)

I am writing to support the Spartacus Yacht Club's application to host  the Optimist European Championship in 2013. I have raced in two Star championships at the Spartacus Yacht Club. My first event was the European Championship in 2000. I have nothing but the fondest of memories of this most lovely part of the world!
I think that Lake Balaton would be a fantastic location for the Optimists to race. I remember that the race course is only meters from the shore, the lake is warm during the summer, the weather was sunny and there was wind to race. It was sometimes light, sometimes strong and that made the racing exciting.
Balatonföldvár great location with lots of good and well priced accommodation. The Yacht Club is a family oriented, friendly place and the membership are very welcoming.
I have no hesitation in recommending Spartacus Yacht Club for any major sailing event.

Kindest regards,
Max Treacy

ROBERT STANJEK, Germany
(Former Opti sailor, 2x Star European Champion, 3rd place at 2011 Star Worlds, 6th at the Olympic Games London 2012)

Lake Balaton had some nice days of sailing to offer back in 2008 when I was winning the European Championship in the Star class. It was very competitive racing in the big fleets on this beautiful  lake. We had perfect weather conditions with light, medium and even strong winds.
The Spartacus Yacht Club was a brilliant host for such a big race, organizing a fair and sportive event and being an excellent location with its great facilities on shore. I also felt very welcomed by the club’s friendly members and staff! 

Balaton is definitely worth a visit, as it offers good conditions for sailing – don’t believe that there is only little wind. ;)
 
Robert Stanjek

ZACH RAILEY, USA 
(International debut – 1995, Optimist South American Championship Chile, Silver medal at 2008 Beijing Olymic Games, 12th at the Olympic Games London 2012)

I would highly recommend Balatonfoldvar as a venue for the 2013 Optimist European Championship. I competed at the Finn European Championship on Balatonfoldvar and was impressed with the regatta management both on the water and off the water. I am positive that the 2013 Optimist European Championship would be a success under the management of the Hungarian Optimist Association and the Spartacus Sailing Club.

Zach Railey