Soling Worlds at Maremma at Scarlino, Italy - Day 3

Racing on day three of the Soling worlds at Scarlino, Italy © James Robinson Taylor / www.jrtphoto.com

Argentinean Gustavo Warburg leads by 1 point

Wonderful sunny skies were the perfect setting for a great day of sailing at the Soling World Championship underway at La Marina di Scarlino in Maremma, Tuscany. Three races took place on the crystal blue Mediterranean waters in technically challenging conditions: during the day the wind increased from 6 to 20 knots, veering in direction and the Race Committee repositioned the course several times. In the morning while waiting for the breeze to settle several sailors took the opportunity for a quick swim in the mild waters then sunbathing on the bows. On the horizon the Islands of Montecristo, Corsica and Elba. An enjoyable backdrop to this international competition where 40 crews from 17 nations are facing off.

After the third day of racing at the Argentinean crew with Gustavo Warburg at the helm is in command with a 1 point lead (19 points). Hungarian George Wossala is second (20 points) and Slovenian Bostjan Antoncic is third (23 points). Best of the Italians Maffezzoli in 18th place.

The gun for Race 4 was fired at 12.55 p.m. from the north west at 8 knots. First on the finishing line Slovenian Bostjan Antoncic, followed by Hungarian Istvan Szucs e and in third position by German Karl Haist.

An hour and a half after the first start, the fleet crossed the line once again with the wind having veered to the west and then during the race back to the north west. At the end of a closely fought first beat, Gustavo Warburg rounded mark one in first position, maintaining his margin throughout the race and cutting the line first, followed by Brazilian Niels Rump second and Hungarian George Wossala third.

Race 6 kicked off in the late afternoon with the sun still shining and a frisk14-16 knot breeze from the west, gusting to 20 on occasion. The ideal conditions for the Solings that seemed to fly on the water. Once again Argentinean Gustavo Warburg seized the victory, followed by Hungarian George Wossala and in third position by Swiss Henrik Dannesboe.

The President of the Italian Sailing Federation Sergio Gaibisso visited La Marina di Scarlino today commenting that this would be a great place to organize match racing. With him Bronze Olympic Medal Diego Romero (Laser Class) who stated: “ I am truly impressed with the organization and I hope to have the opportunity of racing here soon.”

Tomorrow two more races are scheduled.

The Soling World Championship has been organized by the Club Nautico Scarlino, in collaboration with the International Soling Association, the International Sailing Federation, the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and the committee Circoli Velici della Costa Etrusca.

The event has the patronage and support of the Province of Grosseto, the Municipality of Scarlino, La Marina di Scarlino and Consorzio Etruria.

More information at www.solingworlds.com