2016 34th Garda Optimist Meeting – Day 1 + Video

by Fraglia Vela Riva on 25 Mar 2016 The 34th Garda Optimist Meeting gets under way: 900 competitors 233 cadets and 667 juniors. Perfect weather with clear skies, moderate winds and completed races (two for the cadets and three for the juniors).

Mattia Cesana of Fraglia Vela Riva leads the cadets and in the juniors Gaia Bergonzini is on the attack.

Riva del Garda. Beautiful weather welcomed the start of the 34th edition of the Garda Optimist Meeting and boosted the spirits and energy of the organisers and volunteers of Fraglia Vela Riva for the intense four days ahead.

900 helmsmen were at the starting gate from 30 different countries divided into five junior heats and two for the cadets. The moment when everyone takes to the water is always magical but today with the cloudless sky it was a spectacular sight caught on camera which was installed on a drone which was able to record the event in all its glory.

Cadets:233

A brilliant start for local boy Mattia Cesana who dominated in both races. The youngster from Fraglia Vela Riva leads over American Ben Foox (San Francisco YC, two - two) and Erik Norlèn of Sweden (three - two). First among the girls is Giorgia Bonalana (CV Torbole), fourth overall.

Juniors: 667

The junior category completed three races but the standings only reflect the results after one race for each heat. Germany has got off to a good start with its three athletes and took a partial win: Muller, Steidle and Busch. Làszlòfy of Hungary also took partial win along with Kosmalski of Poland. Italian Gaia Bergonzini (Fraglia Vela Malcesine), did very well today coming second in the first race and probably first in the second race.

Racing starts at 12 tomorrow with sunshine again in the forecast.