Laser Radial Europa Cup Slovenia
by Jana Pines 13 May 2015 10:17 BST
9-10 May 2015
Laser Europa Cup Slovenia © Jana Pines
The seventh leg of Laser Europa Cup hosted by Sailing Club Jadro Koper ended with a double Slovenian victory. Nik Pletikos managed to seal the deal in the Standard fleet while his sister Kim finished at the top of the Radial leaderboard.
The three-day event in Ankaran was attended by 80 sailors from eight countries which completed five races in a light breeze of five to twelve knots. The tricky conditions have been a test of nerve, so to be the most consistent in the laser standard class was for sure very rewarding for Nik Pletikos (SLO).
"We had plenty of sun and the air was pleasantly warm. We couldn't have asked for more. As for the wind conditions, they were a bit demanding at times, so I am very pleased with the outcome," said the Slovenian after confirming his place at the top of the pack.
Matej Valic (SLO) pushed his compatriot throughout the last day but couldn't quite overhaul him picking up the second place. Dany Stanisic from Serbia put all his effort into winning the last race and jumped in third overall, knocking out of the podium Zan Luka Zelko (SLO).
Croatian Paolo Mavricic made it look easy in the Laser Radial claiming four bullets out of the five race series. "This was my third time here at the Laser Europa Cup Slovenia. Every year we have similar light air conditions that I enjoy as they suite my style," explained Mavricic.
Dominik Perkovic (CRO) finished second overall while Kim Pletikos (SLO) wrapped up in third. "My speed was great and my tactics worked well. I could have done better on starts, but for the first time in a long time, I had the impression I was gaining throughout the races," said Kim with relief after ending the weekend on top of the female Radial division.
In the 44 Laser 4.7 boat fleet Elisa Navoni (ITA) stole the show on the final day by notching up two back-to-back victories that were enough to secure her the highest step on the podium. Lin Pletikos (SLO) walked away second with only one point of advantage over Andrea Ribolzi (ITA).
The Laser Europa Cup is now moving to Hoorn in the Netherlands, but will be back to Slovenia again next year.
Full results at www.cleanport.si/europacup/results.html