National Class Cat Regatta at Centro Velico Punta Ala
A Class Cat Regata Nazionale at Centro Velico Punta Ala – Overall
31 August – 1 September 2024
Ground-breaking New DN Rig Elevates the A Class Catamaran Scene
As the excitement builds for the A Class Cat Regata Nazionale at PuntAla Camping & Resort on the stunning Tuscan coast, sailors are settling into the event atmosphere. The weather conditions improved significantly, with a desirable shift to a South-westerly wind that smoothed out the sea state. The rough chop from the previous day was replaced by gentle waves, creating perfect sailing conditions with a steady breeze of 10-11 knots.
The first race commenced seamlessly under the capable leadership of PRO Claudio Bagnoli and his race team. Stevie Brewin, a triple World Champion sailing Exploder AUS 4, took the lead early on, followed closely by fellow competitor Mischa Heemskerk, renowned for his distinctive ‘DN’ bendy rig aboard DNA F1x NED 7, and the 2022 World Champion, Ravi Parent in Exploder USA 76. The fleet sped past the spreader mark, effortlessly foiling in the champagne sailing conditions.
Strategically, many competitors recognized the left side of the course as favorable. Those who veered right struggled to maintain their positions, illustrating the importance of staying on the optimal tack. The race featured a mix of Open and Classic fleets, totaling around 30 boats, all expertly managed throughout the event. The Open foiling boats typically reached the top mark first, thanks in part to their upwind foiling capabilities. However, the Classic boats with lower underwater drag were also making their mark as they adopted a strong pack mentality.
At the finish line, the top contenders in the Open fleet included Stevie, followed by Mischa and Darren Bundock, AUS 88, who managed to catch up to Ravi. In the Classic fleet, Francisco Mainero in Exploder ITA 75 triumphed, with Mathieu Verrier, SUI 44, and Stefano Sirri, ITA 7, rounding out the top three.
The subsequent races maintained a similar pattern despite the wind gradually diminishing. The Open boats continued to foil, albeit under marginal conditions. Close competition emerged among the Classic fleet, with tight duels playing out on the course. The regatta concluded with a mere one-point margin separating the top three competitors in the Open fleet: Mischa, Ravi, and Bundy. Meanwhile, Mathieu solidified his dominance in the Classic fleet.
A significant topic of discussion throughout the event was Mischa’s innovative DN rig, crafted by Holland Composites. Despite some early challenges with rig configuration, the design demonstrated potential, particularly for upwind performance. The outlook remains uncertain, with upcoming competitors yet to arrive and more testing on the horizon. This development within the class has generated mixed opinions, sparking discussion and engagement among sailors.
For complete results, please visit the official results page.
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.