2025 RS Aero European Championships at Circolo Vela Arco - Day 1
by Elena Giolai 24 Apr 2025 20:34 BST
24-27 April 2025
The RS Aero European Championships 2025 officially kicked off today on the northern shores of Lake Garda, hosted by Circolo Vela Arco in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation and the RS Aero Class Associations, both Italian and International.
Despite uncertain weather forecasts, the day offered good conditions for racing, with a northerly wind ranging from 7 to 12 knots, allowing all four scheduled races to be completed - the maximum permitted per day.
On the water, the RS Aero 5, 6, 7, and 9 fleets took to the start. The RS Aero 7 and 9 had a combined start, while the RS Aero 5 - the largest fleet along with the RS Aero 6 and mostly made up of Under 22 and Under 17 sailors - delivered great action. Leading the provisional standings in the RS Aero 5 is Estonia's Andreas Sillaste, with scores of 2-1-2-2 and one discard already applied. In second place is Great Britain's Sammy Isaacs-Johnson, while completing the top three is Italy's Enrico Loi (LNI Cagliari), first among the Under 17s and winner of the fourth race.
In the 45-boat RS Aero 6 fleet, two British sailors are leading: Andrew Frost in first, followed by fellow Brit Harrison Pye. Italy's Filippo Vincis (LNI Sulcis) posted a win in the fourth race and is currently third overall. The top master sailor is Daragh Sheridan from Iceland, while Matteo Lubrano Lavadera (LNI Cagliari) is the leading Under 22 sailor and eighth overall.
In the RS Aero 7 fleet, Italy's Mattia Di Lorenzo (Fraglia Vela Riva), first among the Under 17s, leads the overall standings thanks to two wins and a second and fifth (one of which discarded). He is followed by Britain's Mark Ripley, first Under 22 and second overall, with Iceland's Thomas Chaix provisionally in third. The top master is Peter Barton(GBR), president of the International RS Aero Class Association, who won the opening race but had an early start (OCS) in race two, now discarded.
Finally, in the smaller yet competitive RS Aero 9 fleet, Canada's Baabii'O Flower leads with three firsts and a second.
The Race Committee expressed satisfaction with the smooth running of the opening day, successfully completing four races and welcoming enthusiastic participation from sailors representing no fewer than 15 nations. Racing continues tomorrow, Friday, April 25, with the first warning signal scheduled for 12:30 and up to four more races planned.