Local Boys Take The Lead At The 49er Europeans

Local sailors Jacopo Plazzi and Umberto Molineris (ITA) used local knowledge and years spent on Lake Garda to move into the lead for the 49er European Championship.

With an impending front approaching, the winds were light for Garda standards, with 8-10 knots maximum for the day. Posting a 1-3-3 for the day, Plazzi commented “ We were speedy upwind and doing simple things. We’re happy to be sailing here in our home waters.” He further commented to expect “strong winds from the north and bad weather” for tomorrow’s racing, but fully expects to be out on the water racing.

Lukasz Przybytek and Pawel Kolodzinski moved into second overall, but a protest took them out of position and they have moved further down in the standings. Meanwhile the Alonso brothers of Spain had a difficult day also dropping in the overall standings. Although protests are still pending, the results posted show veterans near the top with the exception of the locals, being cheered on by Fraglia Vela Riva members and staff, host to the Championship. Plazzi and Molineris are also the top Youth team.

Racing continues with the finals beginning on Wednesday. The top 12 teams from the Olympic Games have an automatic invitation to the Gold fleet. The final series will be held in Theatre style with a 4-round knock-out style racing and a Grand Final series to be held on the last day with the final 4 boats. 

Live tracking and daily video will begin on Wednesday with live internet broadcast on the final 2 days. 

Event Website