Fraglia Vela Riva to host Optimist Worlds in 2013
By Elena Giolai on 9 JanAugust 201329th Garda Optimist Meeting © Giovanni De Sandre
2012 couldn't have started better for Fraglia Vela Riva: from the other side of the globe in New Zealand, where the 2011 World Optimist Championships have come to a close, Fraglia Vela Riva has been chosen to host and organise the World Optimist Championships 2013. The Optimist class is regarded as an important training ground in international sailing where young sailors are nurtured into becoming the great athletes of tomorrow and who often achieve international fame competing in the Olympic classes and The America's Cup.
“Santa Monica (USA) - the other candidate - pulled out at the key moment of voting because they felt that their presentation wasn't as competitve as Fraglia's”- explained Norberto Foletti of Riva and Secretary of the Italian Optimist Class who was present at the event in New Zealand. Naturally there is a feeling of great satisfaction at Fraglia in seeing all the hard work in making the best presentation possible pay off.
“We are delighted with the news - said President of Fraglia Vela Riva, Mauro Stanga this morning-what a great way to start the New Year! This assignment rewards all the years we have dedicated to Optimist juvenile events, be it in its racing teams, or in the organisation of regattas exclusively for the Optimist and young sailors. It is also an added bonus for The Garda Optimist Meeting which celebrates its 30th edition this year and will, no doubt give all the participants an opportunity to try out and familiarize themselves with the regatta course for the World Championships in 2013.
“On the occasion of the 30th edition, we are attempting to make a new Guiness world record by having the largest number of single-class boats in the world at one event: we expect to hear from “Records management Team Guinness” in the next couple of weeks to officially accept our challenge” concluded Stanga.
The World Championships, which will take place in mid August, will have a positive effect on the tourist industry in the entire Trentino Garda area as the teams (at least the European ones), will start arriving almost immediately to train in preparation for 2013. We should also see an increase in participation in Optimist regattas on the back of this important news from New Zealand, not only here at Fraglia Vela Riva, but also at the other clubs on Upper Garda and bringing with it an overall boost to the area's tourist industry.
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