2024 Open Skiff Youth World Championships at Circolo Vela Arco - Day 1
by Elena Giolai 30 Jul 06:25 NZST
28 July - 2 August 2024
With the picturesque opening ceremony on Sunday evening in the historic center of Arco, the OpenSkiff Youth World Championships officially began, organized by Circolo Vela Arco in collaboration with the Italian and international classes and the Italian Sailing Federation.
Once again, a record edition with 300 participants from 14 nations: 300 boys and girls who, already at last night's opening ceremony, showed that they are in Garda not only to race but also to have fun with many friends.
Smiles abound these days, both on land and in the water: Sunday saw the practice race, an unofficial regatta that, the day before the start of the Championship, allows the entire organizational machine to be tested, as well as giving participants a chance to try the racecourse.
On Monday, promptly at 1 PM, the first three races valid for the assignment of the world titles in the three categories competing on Garda, Under 12 (51), Under 15 (the most numerous with 188 competitors divided into 3 batteries), and Under 17 (61), began. The inaugural day was splendid, with sun and wind at 11-14 knots, typical medium conditions of Upper Garda.
Regarding the provisional rankings after the first day of racing, Italy got off to an excellent start: in the Under 12 category, Circolo Vela Arco's Samuel Piantoni has started to rack up a series of first places in this World Championship, as he did in previous national Open Skiff races: three races and three victories put him at the top, ahead of the French Zunquin Côme (6-3-2) and the Italian Fabio Serra (2-4-7, LNI Sulcis).
In the large Under 15 fleet, New Zealander Ewan Brazle, who participated in many regattas in Italy last year, leads with a triple first in his battery; in second place is French Charles Ganivet (2-1-1) followed by Italian Antonio Simbula (2-3-4, Windsurfing Club Cagliari) in third place. Italy also leads in the Under 17 category with Romagnolo Federico Poli (CN Rimini) first with three second places; behind him is the Polish Hubert Staro, and in third, an excellent Vittoria Cartelli (CN Rimini).
From an organizational perspective, the Championship also started well with many judges, race officers, referees, secretariat, buoy positioning staff, and land coordination staff, essential to ensure safe and orderly departures and returns of the boats, all working to provide these young sailors with an experience that will surely be unforgettable. More races are scheduled for Tuesday, with the start always at 1 PM.
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