Fluky winds dominate final day's action at Laser Europa Cup Koper

by Jana Pines on 21 Mar 2017 Clear blue skies and 13 knots of shifty winds concluded the first act of 2017 Laser Europa Cup held in Koper, Slovenia. Following two days of intense racing the three classes completed four races and the top three podium places were awarded.

After sailing only one race on Saturday, the laser 4.7 blue fleet had the task of ensuring at least one more to validate the regatta. With tricky and unstable conditions the race committee was able to pump three races out for the blue group and two for the yellow. After two wins and a second place Felix Baudet (SUI) secured the top spot in the highly competitive 4.7 division. Janez Zabukovec (SLO) retained the second place with a comfortable five-point margin ahead of Matteo Guardigli (ITA).

In the laser radial fleet, Guido Gallinaro (ITA) added two more bullets to his winning streak and took the crown in front of Francesco Viel (ITA) and Elisa Navoni (ITA), the best female and third in the overall standings.

After a successful first day on the water, Nicolò Villa (ITA) sealed the deal with a win and a second place that brought him an overall win by three points in the laser standard class. Zan Luka Zelko (SLO) finished second in front of Nik Pletikos (SLO).

The 2017 Laser Europa Cup Koper came to a close with the official prize giving ceremony held at the sailing club Jadro Koper. In the closing speech, club’s president Vojko Petric expressed his joy in seeing so many young competitors on the water and acknowledged the attendance of triple Olympic medallist Vasilij Zbogar, who awarded the most successful sailors.