29er Eurocup kicks off on Thursday at Riva del Garda

by Elena Giolai on 30 Oct 2014 The 29er Eurocup, organised by Fraglia Vela Riva, has over eighty boats taking part representing twelve different countries and will finish on Sunday after a maximum 14 races, (up to four a day).

The 29er Eurocup is the last leg in the lengthy European tour which started in Spain back in February. Eleven legs have since taken place in various parts of Europe. This event has consistently grown in numbers and technique showing how far this skiff has come in terms of development and popularity. It is the introductory of the 49er Olympic class and attracts young crews (15-20 year olds). This event also brings to a close the 2014 regatta season at Fraglia Vela Riva; the thirtieth event in a season of a total of 94 days of regattas with the highest number of races being completed in every single event.

In 2013, out of 179 scheduled races, 169 were completed and in 2014 we have already reached 174 races out of 179. This is not only due to the great wind conditions on Lake Garda but also to the dedicated staff on the water who are able to take advantage of the best racing conditions even in seasons like this when, to say the least, the winds were less than reliable.

The Eurocup gets under way on Thursday with the first race at 13.00. The Slovenian crew Janezic-Podloger are racing. They hold a comfortable lead at the moment in the general standings. The Dutch crew of Van Dongen- Bramervaer are also taking part. They are lying third going into this final leg. Crews from Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland and Italy make up the countries which are most represented.