2024 Porto Montenegro Match Race
by Match Race 16 May 09:26 BST
10-12 May 2024
2024 Porto Montenegro Match Race Grade 2 © Match Race
The Porto Montenegro Match Race is a world-renowned nautical event that combines the excitement of sports competition with the beauty of the Mediterranean. Held in Porto Montenegro, an exclusive marina located on the coast of Montenegro, this event attracts the world's top sailors, each eager to compete in the region's crystal-clear waters and enjoy the luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere offered by the destination.
In the most recent edition of the Porto Montenegro Match Race, held from May 10th to 12th, 10 teams representing a variety of countries, from Estonia to Spain, participated. This eclectic group of sailors brought a unique diversity to the event, not only in terms of sailing skills and strategies but also in terms of the culture and spirit of camaraderie that permeated the competition.
Participants faced off in thrilling naval battles aboard J70 boats, known for their agility and maneuverability. These sailboats provide a perfect playground for the match race format, where two boats compete directly against each other in a series of matchups, ensuring intense and action-packed competition.
One of the standout teams in this edition was led by Mati Sep, an Estonian sailor who holds the seventh place in the world rankings. Sep demonstrated his skill and determination by dominating the first part of the competition, winning all his matchups with an impressive 100% record. However, luck was not on his side on the final day of the regatta, where he faced difficulties in the semifinals and the petite final, thus losing his chance to claim victory.
The undisputed winner of the Porto Montenegro Match Race was the talented French sailor Tom Foucher, who emerged as the absolute champion of the event. Foucher, hailing from the French match race school, exhibited impeccable performance throughout the competition, outsmarting his rivals with cunning and tactical skill.
The regatta took place in the stunning Bay of Kotor, a place of breathtaking natural beauty that served as the perfect backdrop for the event. However, the weather conditions were not always favorable, with tricky shifts and sudden wind drops testing the skill and resilience of the sailors. Despite these challenges, the organizing committee successfully completed the circuit, thus ensuring a fair and exciting competition for all participants.
Among the sailors who left their mark on the competition was the young Martin Allix, another emerging talent from the French match race school. Allix showcased his prowess on the water and his ability to compete at the highest level, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow competitors and the audience.
The Spanish team "Cigarrán Sailing Team" was the first Spanish team to participate in Porto Montenegro and also made a lasting impression on the competition, demonstrating an unwavering spirit of fight, sympathy, and determination despite their relative inexperience in such international events. Although they did not manage to achieve final victory, their outstanding performance served as a reminder of the potential and talent that exists in the world of Spanish sailing.
The Spanish match race team "Cigarrán Sailing Team" had a memorable performance, facing every challenge head-on and surprising with their attitude and competence. They maintained their composure despite being lower in the standings in their first appearance in this circuit, and they learned from several mistakes, losing just at the finish line due to misunderstandings of match race protocol. They put up a tough fight against the all-powerful Kiwi Megan Thonsom, ranked 14th in the world, the Slovenian Bojan Raja, or the Frenchman naturalized Spanish Silvain Escurat or the Israeli Vladimir Lipinski, who was close to winning but ultimately lost in an incomprehensible ending. Overall, their performance gives hope for future WMRT events, showing great learning potential and an evolving attitude. It's worth mentioning that this discipline doesn't exist in Spain... Now, the new stop will be in Ledro, Italy, from June 20th to 23rd.
The Porto Montenegro Match Race is not just a sports competition but also an experience that celebrates the passion and love for sailing in a setting of luxury and elegance. Participants and spectators have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sophisticated atmosphere of Porto Montenegro, enjoying its exclusive restaurants, designer boutiques, and lively nightlife.
In summary, the Porto Montenegro Match Race is much more than a regatta; it's an event that captures the excitement and beauty of sailing in a spectacular setting. With its continuous growth and ability to attract the world's best sailors, Porto Montenegro has established itself as one of the premier destinations in the world match race circuit.