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2024 Gold Cup Imperia: A Memorable Week of Sailing
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.
Coppa D-one Italia in Imperia sets stage for Gold Cup
Imperia, June 1-2 – The charming coastal town of Imperia hosted the Coppa D-one Italia, a key event organized by the Yacht Club Imperia. This regatta served as a warm-up for the prestigious Gold Cup, scheduled for the following weekend.Thirteen boats from six different countries converged on Imperia, transforming what is usually a small local regatta into a bustling international competition. The pleasant weather and promising conditions set an optimistic tone for the upcoming Gold Cup, suggesting that it will be a fiercely contested and highly enjoyable event.
The first day of the regatta saw winds of 7-8 knots accompanied by long waves from the south. These conditions proved challenging for the sailors, who had to work diligently to extract the best performance. The second day brought a notable change, with the waves calming significantly and the wind decreasing to 5-6 knots. These lighter conditions required a different approach, testing the sailors’ adaptability and skill in maximizing the efficiency of their boats in gentler breezes.Over the course of the event, four races were held, each adding to the competitive spirit and excitement. Frank Suchanek from Germany emerged as the overall winner, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency. Italian sailor Enrico Ciferri secured second place, while Austria’s Jörg Deimling took the third spot on the podium.
The Coppa D-one Italia in Imperia not only provided a beautiful and competitive weekend for participants and spectators but also set a high standard for the upcoming Gold Cup. With sailors from across Europe competing fiercely in light and variable conditions, the event demonstrated the growing international appeal of the D-one class.The Yacht Club Imperia’s excellent organization and the natural beauty of the region combined to create a memorable and promising prelude to next weekend’s marquee event.
Devoti Sailing Shines at Harken One Design Regatta 2024
Last weekend, Largs Sailing Club played host to an exciting event: the Harken One Design Regatta 2024. Sailors from all over Scotland gathered to compete in the DEVOTI D-ZERO Class, and it was a weekend to remember!Despite the light winds, sailors battled it out in four thrilling races. The competition was fierce, especially in the mid-fleet, where every point counted. Cheers echoed as Alistair McLaughlin, Roo Purves, and Ian Baillie showcased their skills on the water, impressing everyone with their talent.In the end, a new Scottish Champion was crowned, adding to the excitement of the event. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of the volunteers and the excellent organization.As we celebrate this success, we look forward to the next challenge: the D-Zero Inaugural European Championship and 10th National Championship, scheduled from June 27th to 30th. Devoti Sailing is gearing up for another thrilling competition and aims to continue its passion and determination.Congratulations to everyone involved! Stay tuned for more updates from Devoti Sailing as we continue to push the boundaries of sailing excellence.
May 11&12: A Weekend of Thrilling Sailing Races
The weekend of May 11th and 12th, 2024, witnessed the conclusion of three exhilarating sailing competitions, once again showcasing the passion and determination of sailors from different parts of the world. Among the standout competitions of the weekend were the II Stage of the Italian Finn Cup in Monfalcone, the III Dervio Cup D-One on the picturesque Lake Como, and the D-ZERO Open Meeting at the Hunts Sailing Club in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
II Phase, Italian Finn Cup Monfalcone:Organized by the Oscar Cosulich Sailing Society in Monfalcone, this stage attracted the attention of 36 participants ready to challenge each other in the Adriatic waters. After 5 thrilling races, the podium was dominated by Alessandro Marega of Soc. Vela Oscar Cosulich ASD, followed by Giacomo Giovaneli and Roberto Strappati of Club N. Fanese ‘G.Vivani’ ASD. The competition was a true spectacle of skill and determination, showcasing the high level of athletes and the excitement of open sea racing.
III Dervio Cup D-One:
The Centro Vela Dervio hosted the third edition of the Dervio Cup D-One on the picturesque Lake Como. Despite some absences due to injuries, the competition saw the participation of four helmsmen from Switzerland, Great Britain, and Italy. Patrick Ruefenacht from Switzerland clinched victory, followed by Kenneth Ward from Great Britain and Enrico Ciferri from Italy. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the competition offered unique thrills and confirmed the high interest in the Italian D-One Cup.
D-ZERO Open Meeting:
The Hunts Sailing Club in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, was the stage for the D-ZERO Open Meeting, where four races thrilled participants and spectators alike. Jon Cowper secured the top position, followed by John Aston and Paul Jefferies. The competition showcased the technique and determination of the participants, confirming the interest and growth of the D-ZERO class in the international sailing scene.
In conclusion, the weekend of races offered an exciting glimpse into the abilities and passion of sailors from around the world. Devoti Sailing congratulates all participants for their dedication and competitive spirit, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the growth and development of sailing globally.
2024 EurILCA Europa Cup Italy
The 2024 EurILCA Europa Cup Italy recently drew to a close in the coastal town of Punta Ala, Italy. Hosted by Centro Velico Punta Ala at PuntAla Camp&Resort, this prestigious sailing event witnessed the participation of 553 sailors from 29 countries, making it a truly international affair.
The EurILCA Europa Cup Trophy series is renowned for its stunning venues across Europe, offering sailors of all ages an opportunity to compete on the ILCA 7, ILCA 6, and ILCA 4 rigs. Beyond the fierce competition on the water, these events also boast vibrant social scenes, making them highly anticipated fixtures on the European sailing calendar.Italy’s championship marked the third event of the year, following successful regattas in Portugal and Spain. The competition showcased the skills and determination of sailors from around the world, highlighting the sport’s global appeal and competitive spirit.
One of the standout moments of the event was the sponsorship by Devoti Sailing of the ILCA Italia class. Devoti Sailing hosted a memorable party on May 4th. The event culminated in a draw, exclusively for ILCA Italia sailors, where Gessi Giulio Felice had the chance to win a coveted Devoti ILCA hull, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Looking ahead, the sailing community eagerly anticipates the next leg of the EurILCA Europa Cup series. The 2024 EurILCA Europa Cup SUI is set to take place from May 9th to 12th in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. With 105 sailors already registered and entries open until May 8th, anticipation is high for another thrilling display of sailing prowess and camaraderie.As the 2024 EurILCA Europa Cup Italy comes to a close, sailors and spectators alike reflect on the memorable moments shared on the water and the bonds forged off it. With each event, the EurILCA Europa Cup series continues to showcase the best of competitive sailing while fostering a sense of community and passion for the sport.
2024 Semaine Olympique Française – Hyères, France: Winds of Change
The 55th edition of the Semaine Olympique Française (SOF) concluded in Hyères, France, amidst unexpected challenges on April 27, 2024. The final day of the Medal Races was met with strong east winds, prompting the race committee to make the difficult decision to cancel the finals. As a result, Friday’s rankings were deemed official, determining the winners of this prestigious event.
The picturesque setting of Hyères harbor and the Golden Isles witnessed a dramatic transformation on the final day of the SOF. Despite a heavy day of rain earlier in the week, the sun made a welcome return. However, it was the wind that commanded attention, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 knots by late morning. The once serene water surface of the harbor turned turbulent, presenting a formidable challenge for the competing sailors. Safety concerns prevailed, leading to the cancellation of the finals. According to regulations, races cannot proceed in winds exceeding 25 knots.
Among the standout performances of the event was the success of the Devoti Sailing team in the women’s single dinghy (ILCA 6) category. American sailor Charlotte Rose emerged as the victor, outperforming her Dutch and Norwegian counterparts, Marit Bouwmeester and Flem Hoest, respectively. Reflecting on her unexpected triumph, Rose expressed satisfaction with her performance despite the challenging conditions.“I didn’t expect to win here in Hyères, so I’m really satisfied with the work I delivered. The conditions were a bit tricky because we could only start racing on Tuesday. It took everything we had, and I’m proud of what I did,” remarked Charlotte Rose.
In the Men’s single-handed dinghy (ILCA 7), in the top 10, there are Pavlos Kontides thot got a 4th place, Hermann Tomasgaard that got an 8th place and Jonàtan Vadnai that got a 10th place.“I am very pleased with my fourth place, especially towards the end of the week after the second day of racing. I dropped to 20th overall and managed to climb to fourth, which is nice and especially yesterday in the challenging conditions,” commented Pavlos Kontides.
Despite the cancellation of the final day’s races, the 55th edition of the Semaine Olympique Française will be remembered for its spirited competition and the perseverance demonstrated by the participating sailors. As the event draws to a close, attention now turns to future competitions, where these talented athletes will continue to showcase their skills on the world stage.
Exciting Victories at the 2024 D-Zero and Finn Open Sailing Championships
Sailing enthusiasts gathered at Bough Beech Sailing Club on April 13th for the 2024 D-Zero and Finn Open Championships, bringing a day of exciting racing to the quiet waters ofsoutheast England.
In the D-Zero class, Tom Southwell stole the show with a stellar performance, outshining competitors to secure first place. His steady racing throughout the four races earned him a well-deserved victory. Joining him on the podium were Gordon Stewart and David Valentine, securing second and third places respectively, who demonstrated their impressive skills in the challenging conditions.
Meanwhile, in the Finn class, Nick Caig emerged as champion, sailing the course with precision and determination. Despite fierce competition from Lawrence Crispin and Kristian Sjoberg, who secured second and third place finishes respectively, Caig’s skill and strategic thinking carried him to victory, delighting spectators with his impressive performance.
As the sun set over the picturesque man-made reservoir, the 2024 D-Zero and Finn Open came to a close, leaving behind memories of exhilarating racing and camaraderie among sailors and spectators. With anticipation for future events, Devoti Sailing congratulates the organizers and sailors for providing these unforgettable moments on the water.
Devoti Sailing secures double gold at the 2024 ILCA 4 Youth European Championships and the European Open Trophy.
From April 5th to April 12th, the shores of Izola, Slovenia, welcomed the best young sailorsfrom across Europe for the 2024 ILCA 4 Youth Europeans and Open European Trophy. Itwas a week filled with ten thrilling races, showcasing talent and determination in equalmeasure.In the men's category, Lorenzo Ghirotti from Italy claimed the title of European champion,demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy. Notable performances also came fromGeorgios Kypraios and Konstantinos Portosalte of Greece, securing fourth and sixth place,respectively. Turkey's Sadrihan Suer also impressed with a solid ninth-place finish.Gabriela Morell of Spain emerged as the women's European champion, showcasingremarkable prowess on the water. Greece's Nefeli Podiadi also shone bright, finishing insixth place.Devoti Sailing, a proud supporter of the sailing community, celebrates the achievements ofthese young athletes. Their success is a testament to the sport's enduring spirit and thededication of those who pursue excellence on the water.As the event draws to a close, we extend our congratulations to all participants, organizers,and supporters. Together, we continue to fuel the passion for sailing and inspire the nextchampions.
Highlights from the 53rd Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca bid farewell to the 53rd Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by Iberostar as the event concluded on Saturday. The city hosted this renowned regatta, where boats from Olympic categories competed in a display of skill and determination.
Over 1,000 boats gathered in Palma for this prestigious event organized by the International Sailing Federation. Approximately 1,500 sailors participated, including Olympic, World, and European champions competing across categories such as 470, RS:X, Laser Standard and Radial, Finn, 49er, Women’s Match Race, and Paralympic Sailing.
In the ILCA category, 10 races and a medal race were contested over 6 days. Despite challenging conditions on the final day, characterized by light winds bordering on the edge of raceability, the Medal Races ultimately took place.
Devoti Sailing’s team achieved commendable results in the ILCA 7 category, with Hermann Tomasgaard securing sixth place and Pavlos Kontides clinching eighth. In the ILCA 6 category, Matilda Nicholls claimed third position, while Wiktoria Golebiowska finished tenth, marking a significant return to the top ten after a prolonged absence.
With over 800 crews and 1,100 sailors representing 75 nationalities, across ten disciplines and seven race areas, the 2024 Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía reaffirms its status as the most important pre-Olympic event of the season.
Devoti Sailing extends its congratulations to all sailors and commends the excellent organization of the event, which made this week a thrilling showcase of healthy competition and entertainment