Magic Marine Nation's Cup for Solos at Fraglia Vela Riva - Preview

Magic Marine are the National Solo class title sponsor © Will Loy

This week the National Solo Class return to the mystical mecca that is Riva del Garda to contest the 2018 Magic Marine Nation's Cup. Organised by the Nederlandse Solo Klasse Organisatie, the Dutch equivalent to the NSCA and held at Fraglia Vela Riva which sits at the very North of the huge lake, it promises to be a memorable experience for all competitors.

This is the Solos fourth visit to Garda, 2004/06/14 provided some classic "Ora" conditions, some pretty amazing thunderstorms and epic downwind sailing amongst the 1000 ft high mountains. There are 51 pre entries with the UK representing 60% of the field and high calibre sailors in the form of current National Champion Charlie Cumbley who is returning to the scene where he narrowly lost out to Andy Couch in 2014. Cumbley has been pretty unbeatable since that defeat and sits at the top of the pecking order though Andy Tunnicliffe,

Tim Law, Oliver Davenport and Dutchman Peerke Kortekaas will be equally confident of becoming "king of the mountains". The Dutch also have other strong contenders for a top ten finish in man mountain Gerard Post and Ted Bakker who is showing big improvements in 2018. From a UK perspective potential race winner Ian Hopwood who is campaigning both the Solo and OK could well have a stella regatta if he can keep the stick above the water. Certainly, racing the OK has honed his balance and he does not lack bravery when the going gets tough.

Should the regular thermal activity not materialise, and let's be honest, it has been a pretty tough year for breeze, the likes of Claar van der Does, Tom Lonsdale and Mark Lee could well take a bullet or two.

Dutch class chairman Norbert Zonneveld has promised a fabulous regatta and their hospitality is second to none. NSCA Vice President Doug Latta will be holding up the honour for the NSCA and will no doubt match Norbert's speeches with wit and sentiment.

This promises to be an awesome event is the weather plays fair, certainly, with on-water jury Steve Watson on hand, the racing will be too.

Lastly, sincere thanks to Magic Marine for their continued support of the National Solo class both home and abroad and to Noble Marine who are providing much needed insurance to our sailors and their Solos.

Good luck to all competitors.