Clear blue skies and 13 knots of shifty winds concluded the first act of 2017 Laser Europa Cup held in Koper, Slovenia. Following two days of intense racing the three classes completed four races and the top three podium places were awarded.
After sailing only one race on Saturday, the Laser 4.7 blue fleet had the task of ensuring at least one more to validate the regatta. With tricky and unstable conditions the race committee was able to pump three races out for the blue group and two for the yellow. After two wins and a second place Felix Baudet SUI secured the top spot in the highly competitive 4.7 division. Janez Zabukovec SLO retained the second place with a comfortable 5-point margin ahead of Matteo Guardigli ITA.
In the Laser Radial fleet, Guido Gallinaro ITA added two more bullets to his winning streak and took the crown in front of Francesco Viel ITA and Elisa Navoni ITA, the best female and third in the overall standings.
After a successful first day on the water, Nicolo Villa ITA sealed the deal with a win and a second place that brought him an overall win by three points in the Laser Standard class. Zan Luka Zelko SLO finished second in front of Nik Pletikos SLO.
The 2017 Laser Europa Cup Koper came to a close with the official prize giving ceremony held at the sailing club JK Jadro Koper. In the closing speech, club’s president Vojko Petrič expressed his joy in seeing so many young competitors on the water and acknowledged the attendance of triple Olympic medalist Vasilij Zbogar, who awarded the most successful sailors.
