Today’s second day of the 2024 EurILCA Europa Cup Italy in Punta Ala was quite unusual. Strong winds and waves perpendicular to the coast made it tricky to launch the boats due to the shallow beach depth. Consequently, the morning hours saw a postponement ashore for all fleets, following the same criteria as the previous day, when no races were held.
As we waited for the wind to shift to a more parallel angle to the coast to ease boat launching, the Race Committee decided in the afternoon to raise the Delta flag for the more experienced fleets: the Olympic ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 women’s classes.
Even for these experienced sailors, it wasn’t an easy task. They had to assist each other in pushing the boats through the waves until they reached a depth suitable for deploying the daggerboard and rudder to sail upwind.
The ILCA 7 initiated the starting procedures on a single field, followed a few minutes later by the women’s class.
With wind conditions ranging from 22 to 24 knots, these seasoned sailors enjoyed two races filled with action and adrenaline.
Unfortunately, the larger fleets – ILCA 6 men and ILCA 4 men and women – had to remain ashore without any competition.
The current leaders in ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 women’s classes are as follows:
Tomorrow’s program includes three new races for all classes, with the first starting signal at 11:30.
A total of 553 sailors representing 29 countries are taking part in this competition, organized by Centro Velico Punta Ala at PuntAla Camp&Resort.
The Centro Velico Punta Ala wants to thank the Municipality of Scarlino, the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia, and the technical partners Devoti Sailing, Negrinautica, and Decathlon Grosseto for the collaboration and support in organizing the event. For logistic support, thanks are also extended to the collaboration of PuntAla Camp&Resort and the numerous local associations, including the Yachting Club Isole di Toscana, Club Velico Castiglione della Pescaia, Lega Navale di Follonica, Club Nautico di Follonica, and Yacht Club Punta Ala.
How to follow the event – Useful links
About the EurILCA Europa Cup Trophy
The EurILCA Europa Cup Trophy is a series of regattas held throughout the year in stunning venues across Europe. Open to sailors of all ages, starting from 12 years old, and on all rigs (ILCA 7, ILCA 6, and ILCA 4), these events offer fierce competition on the water alongside a vibrant social scene. They have become highly popular events on the European sailing calendar.
This championship in Italy marks the third event of the year, following two successful regattas held in Portugal and Spain.
The next event in our annual competition will be the 2024 EurILCA Europa Cup SUI, which immediately follows Italy, taking place from May 9th to 12th in Neuchâtel. So far, 105 sailors have registered for the event, and entries are open until Wednesday, May 8th.
For further information about the 2024 EurILCA Europa Cup Trophy, please visit the webpage here.
Keep smiling, keep sailing!
The EurILCA Team
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Photos by Centro Velico Punta Ala.
