Xalient Solo Nation's Cup at Circolo Vela Bellano - Day 0

Xalient Solo Nation's Cup at Lake Como © Will Loy

Circolo Vela Bellano, nestled on the banks of the eastern side of Lake Como continues to welcome Solos through its gates in readiness for what is effectively the European Championship.

For some context for those interested in the detail it was named the Nation's Cup back in the year 2000, formerly our World Championship. While the span of the class has reached outposts in France, Portugal and most prominently, the Netherlands, the power of World Sailing decreed that we needed at least another two countries and while I would argue that Scotland and Wales are very much independent, initiating a coo on two borders would be difficult for a class association.

The Nation's Cup therefore became a thing and the trophy, presented by Jim Gates and Ron Green, two of our most distinguished Chief Measurers was born.

My pitch this week is so close to the club you can almost fall off the balcony and crawl there, an option I have already considered given my health dispositions and the erratic behaviour of the bijou lift. The vista from the apartment is straight out of a Fantasy Homes by the Sea episode, snow topped mountains surrounding the crystal clear lake reaching altitudes which many of the Solo teams who navigated them will confirm. The hairpin bend system is equally breath-taking but requires a level of bowel control well above my threshold so it was a relief to plane, train and automobile here.

Restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours dot the shore line, my capacity to walk no further than my sweet teeth will allow ruling out any tours of the town and its historical attributes so you will have to google those.

It is now Saturday morning, a light thunderstorm has given way to clearing skies, the temperature rising with every cloud's dispersal and the standard south-westerly is working across the length and width of this vast expanse of water. Some of the sailors have been here since Monday and testify that the breeze switches on daily at 1pm, the knots rising into the low teens, the temp dial hitting 30+ and if this continues we will surely enjoy an amazing Championship.

Tonight from 6pm will be the opening ceremony with beer available at the CVB events area, that will be the one with the crowd around it.

The event has a WhatsApp group invite so if you want to follow the racing then please follow the link and subscribe. We will provide interviews, action and photos of the day's racing. Visit velabellano.it/solo-european-nations-cup-regatta then Official notice board then the WhatsApp link.