36th Lake Garda Optimist Meeting - Day 1
by Fraglia Vela Riva 30 Mar 2018 13:13 BST
28 March - 1 April 2018
Lake Garda Optimist Meeting - Day 1 © Mauro Melandri
Riva del Garda (Garda Trentino) is hosting the 36th Lake Garda Optimist Meeting, organised by Fraglia Vela Riva and Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, with almost 1400 helmsmen between 9 and 15 years old enrolled (1069 Juniors and 305 Cadets).
The event started on a rainy day, but this did not prevent the running of the races and the enjoyment of the sailors – the two race courses (one for Cadets and one for Juniors further south) benefitted from solid wind between 12 and 16 knots, that allowed the Cadets to sail two races and the Juniors one, due to the division into six heats that slowed down the starting procedures.
Despite heavy rain and usually cold temperature for springtime, the temperament of the sailors was once again put to the test. The participants sailed with fun as if the sun was shining.
Great amusement on land as well with the brand-new Garda Wind Garda Village, built up for this occasion thanks to the synergy with Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, where the sailors can have a break with their families, while the youngsters showed their skills in the Fit&Fun area taking part to the engaging activities organised by Kinder +Sport and the Ninja Warriors course. Garda Wind Garda Village also means Pasta Party for the competitors of the Meeting, besides the outdoor shopping village open to everybody.
It was a still positive start for the Guinness World Records' Regatta, despite the rainy day with a breathtaking lake dotted with 1400 boats.
The races
Even though the event aims to make boys and girls sharing the same passion for sailing from all over the world meet (that is why it is called Meeting. This year 33 countries are represented), the competitive side of the event is still remarkable, since – if lived positively – it amuses and pushes the young sailors. It definitely was a successful start for Italy, and especially for the athletes of the organising club (Fraglia Vela Riva), who are in the top position in both divisions.
Cadets (305)
Mosè Bellomi wins twice, followed by his teammate Manuel De Asmundis (Fraglia Vela Riva), who with 1-4 is tie second with the first girl Clara Lorenzi (CNB).
Juniors (1069)
The ranking of the Juniors' race is in process and at the moment only few details are available: good start for Mattia Cesana (Fraglia Vela Riva) winning the yellow fleet and for the current World Champion Marco Gradoni (Tognazzi Marine Village), winner of the blue fleet. The red fleet was won by the Latvian Atilla Martins.