XXX Garda Optimist Meeting at Riva del Garda - Day 1
by Elena Giolai 6 Apr 2012 00:10 BST
4-8 April 2012
XXX Garda Optimist Meeting day 1 © Giovanni de Sandre / Fraglia Vela Riva
Racing got underway today on Trentino Garda after the opening ceremony yesterday evening with Olympian Alessandra Sensini.
With good wind conditions (14 knots) and a record number of entrants (1073) from 27 different countries, the XXX Garda Optimist Meeting couldn't have started in a better way.
The grey skies and rain showers certainly didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the 1073 participants of the XXX Garda Optimist Meeting, organised by Fraglia Vela Riva and which lasts until Sunday. It always takes your breath away to see the sight of hundreds of children at the starting line. A sight that can only be appreciated first-hand.
The races took place with north winds (pelér), as is usual in unsettled weather and two races were completed for the cadet category (as programmed), and three for the juniors. There was a great sense of achievement from the staff of Fraglia Vela Riva in knowing that the target of 1000 entrants had been well surpassed ready for tomorrow when the regatta will be certified as a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD(tm).
Cadet Category
A total of 266 participants are in this category for children 9-11 years. They are divided into two groups and they completed 2 races today (as scheduled). Alessandro Caldari (C.N.Cervia) of Italy is in the lead and is equal on points with Hofmann of Germany (3-2). Caldari notched up a 4th and a 1st in the second and last race of the day. In 3rd place, one point behind, is Borczynski of Poland, winner of the first race and 5th in the second. In 4th position is Andrea Spagnolli with the Fraglia Vela Riva colours (5-4 partial) held jointly with Dàvila Mateu Nacho (4-5).
Junior category
Three races were completed today for the juniors whose 807 participants are divided into 5 groups. At the moment the last group is finishing the last race so the final results are not yet known. Winners of the first race in each group, however, are as follows: Isik – Turkey, Osterberg and Jarudd – Sweden, Vieregge – Germany and Lorenzo Bottino – Italy.
Tomorrow races start at 9:30 for cadets and 12:00 for juniors.
Optiworlds 2013 Mascot
The mascot for the Optimist World Championships was presented at the opening ceremony last evening. The Championships will take place here at Riva del Garda in July 2013.
www.fragliavelariva.it/regatta/807/view