National Class Catamaran Regatta at Centro Velico Punta Ala
Welcome to the first official racing day of the PuntAla Regatta Festival! This weekend marks an important Italian National event and serves as a vital practice and warm-up for the upcoming 2024 World Championships, featuring both Classic and Open categories.
On the first day, 15 Classic and 15 Open boats set sail across the stunning azure waters of the Golfo Di Follonica. Organized by the Centro Velico Punta Ala and led by their President, Claudio Bagnoli, the races featured a combined fleet of 30 boats, a manageable number compared to the anticipated 90-boat fleets for next week’s World Championships.
The conditions were favorable, with a pleasant 8-12 knot Westerly breeze that allowed for smooth starts. However, there were a few temporary delays as motor yachts inadvertently ventured onto the racecourse. Despite the lovely breeze, the sea was a bit choppy, presenting challenges, especially for the Open foilers attempting to foil upwind. The demands of the race resulted in early nights for many sailors due to their exertion.
The three races of the day unfolded without major incidents, and the results stirred excitement. In the Open category, Darren Bundock, representing Australia (AUS 88), showcased a commanding performance, demonstrating exceptional sailing skills in choppy conditions. He competed closely with Ravi Parent (USA 76), Mischa Heemskerk (NED 7), and Stevie Brewin (AUS 4) during the first race. Although the second race was equally competitive, Mischa encountered a setback when his board rake control belt snapped, forcing him to capsize and exit the race. This left Bundock, Parent, and Brewin to compete for the lead, with Bundock ultimately claiming victory.
In the third race, as conditions began to shift, Mischa re-entered the competition. The top-mark split between Mischa and Bundock became crucial, with Mischa skillfully navigating the shifts and gaining a considerable lead. As conditions waned, Ravi decided to withdraw while he could still do so effectively, allowing Giuseppe Colombo (ITA 442) to secure third place. In the end, Mischa crossed the line followed by Bundock and Colombo.
A surprising turn of events for Bundock came when his first race was deemed an OCS (On Course Side), resulting in a tally of 16 points. Mischa’s DNF in race two and Ravi’s withdrawal in race three opened the door for an Italian sweep, with Luigi Camisotti (ITA 54) finishing the day in first place, followed closely by Giuseppe and Paolo Mangialardo (ITA 300).
The Classics division saw Mathieu Verrier (SUI 44) dominate with straight wins, followed by Francisco Mainaro (ITA 583) and veteran Stefano Sirri (ITA 7) taking second and third, respectively.
This year’s highlight was undoubtedly Mischa Heemskerk and the DNA team, who unveiled their new experimental rig. This innovative design, which allows the mast to bow leeward, has generated considerable buzz online. Inspired by the one-design DN class Ice Yachts, the rig features a unique backward bending component and a flexible tube design that enables significant deflection controlled by adjustable Dyneema lower shrouds. While still in the development phase, initial trials have shown promising results, fueling excitement for its potential in future competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to witness thrilling sailing and groundbreaking innovations during the PuntAla Regatta Festival! For full race results, please visit the provided link.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.