O'pen Skiff World Championship 2023 at Club Nautico Rimini - Day 4
by Elena Giolai 21 Jul 2023 08:21 NZST
16-21 July 2023
Friday 21st July will mark the conclusion of the Open Skiff World Championship in Rimini, which commenced with the opening ceremony last Sunday and continued with the race from Monday, determining the winners of the three category titles.
The weather conditions were characterized by scorching heat, but a sea breeze in the early afternoon allowed for smooth racing on both race courses, with wind conditions around 7-8 knots, typical of the Romagna Riviera.
The under-15 category, with 164 competitors, completed the qualifying rounds in the first two days (6 races) and was subsequently divided, with the top 82 competitors in the overall ranking moving into the gold fleet, while the second half of the ranking formed the silver fleet.
On Thursday, after a total of nine races, podium positions in all categories were closely contested in terms of points, with some even tied. However, with the three races held on Friday and the maximum number (two) of discards already applied after the ninth race, the situation changed significantly. Gaps emerged among the top five positions, rewarding consistency. On Friday, prior to taking to the water, a prize raffle demonstrated that the Open Skiff class aims to maintain a sporting spirit despite being a World Championship. This was further confirmed by the introduction of a "free style" section in the race course (a standing position to be maintained on one side delimited by buoys). The fleets competed in three additional races, bringing the total number of races to 12 out of the 14 scheduled in the program. On Friday, the championship's final day, two more races will be held, determining the podium positions in some cases.
The Club Nautico Rimini, in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation and the national and international Open Skiff class, has done an excellent job organizing this Championship, which will be remembered for breaking all records in terms of participants. Social events and organization on land and water were executed perfectly, showcasing the hospitality and efficiency that Romagna is known for. For the almost 300 participants, along with coaches and parents, it has been a delightful week of sport and camaraderie. The race committee, jury, and referees have also done an outstanding job, closely monitoring competitors on the water to ensure compliance with the rules and assigning penalties when necessary.
Under 17: The Italian (CVCastiglionese) Nicolò Giomarelli has regained the lead after overtaking the French contender on Thursday. With an 8-5-1, Giomarelli is currently leading by 6 points over the French sailor Moritz Blum (10-1-3) and 11 points over the other French competitor Margot Berenger, who stands as the first female and third overall. Germany's Kreutzer follows in fourth place, only two points behind the podium, with Poland's Hubert Staron in fifth position.
Under 15: The under-15 category sees a Spanish one-two with Pepe Garcìa (1-2-13) and Oriol Costabella (6-1-2). The French competitor Zunquin closely trails in third place, just two points behind the second position (3-5-15). The French Lesniak follows further behind by 17 points, with Australia's Puls in fifth place. The first Italian competitor is Sardinian (CN Arbatax) Alessio Fadda. Italian-Australian Corrado Dorrington experienced a decline, now placed at 11-48-39, and has dropped to the eighth position.
Under 12: The Ukrainian-Rimini-based Yasnolobov has solidified his position with a lead of 44 points, virtually securing the top spot on the podium. Italian Fabio Serra (LNI del Sulcis) and Polish Jan Waskiewicz have been vying for the second and third positions, respectively. Lapo Manigrasso (CV Talamone) stands in fourth place, followed by Aurora Milanese (Circolo Vela Arco), the first female competitor. Both are very close in points to the third position, and with the last two possible races on Friday, they could even aim for at least third place.
On Friday, the curtain will fall on this World Championship, which has once again showcased the vibrancy of the Open Skiff class, striving to bring young people closer to sailing and racing without undue competitive pressure. It's a colourful and smart world, aiming to entertain and share experiences, which will remain significant, if not unforgettable, for the young participants. On Friday, we will crown the new world champions, but the true victory lies in having 300 happy helmsmen in this week, alongside their families from distant countries such as the USA, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. Tomorrow's start is scheduled for 1 pm, the final opportunity to witness the Rimini sea adorned with 300 white, red, and black sailboats!
Photo gallery: photos.app.goo.gl/hTy5QBGK4opk5GWd7
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Results can be found at www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/5346/event