June 6-9, 2024 – Yacht Club Imperia. It was an intense week of sailing in Imperia, which hosted the fourth stage of the “D-One Italia Cup 2024” circuit during the weekend of June 1-2. Many foreign sailors took the opportunity to join the Italian fleet in advance, taking advantage of the regatta and enjoying a whole week of sailing and sea.
The Gold Cup began on Thursday, June 6, but the first two race attempts were interrupted due to a lack of wind, which never exceeded five knots.
On Friday, June 7, however, a strong easterly wind rose in the late afternoon, reaching eight to nine knots, allowing for three interesting races. On Saturday, the wind strengthened further: in the morning, it was around twelve knots, but during the second race, it significantly increased to 16-17 knots. The first capsizes were seen, and the wind’s intensity began to favor heavier helmsmen, making it difficult for the lighter ones. The return was complicated due to a strong easterly wind and the presence of a steep swell at the port entrance, causing nose-diving phenomena.
On Sunday, from early morning, the conditions appeared prohibitive: 17-20 knots consistently, with gusts up to 27 knots, coming from different angles, and a high wave at the port entrance. Therefore, it was decided not to race.
Gilles Chipperfield (GBR) won the Gold Cup, followed by Marek Batchick (CZ) and Jorg Deimling (GER). Marek Batchick also won the Masters Trophy. The competition saw the participation of helmsmen from seven different nations, taking place in a friendly and fair competitive atmosphere.
A big thank you to Yacht Club Imperia, the competent jury, and the Italian D-One Class, the organizers of the event, for making this week of sailing unforgettable.