RS Aero European Championships at Fraglia Vela Malcesine - Day 2
by RS Aero International Class Association 3 Aug 2021 20:50 PDT
2-6 August 2021

RS Aero 7 start on day 2 of the RS Aero Europeans at Lake Garda © Angela Trawoeger / FVM
Racing got under way at the RS Aero Europeans after a weekend preparation including measuring in the fleet of 70 whilst groups went out training together. Then on Sunday the Class held general coaching with an hour ashore to run though tips, techniques and settings with an RS Aero - delivered in both English and Italian!
Afloat in the afternoon we held many starts and six short two lap coached races in a medium/light breeze. Thank you for the assistance from the team coaches from SWE, ITA, HUN and FRA/USA! At the end of the day was the Opening Ceremony with all the flags, welcome speeches and nice buffet snacks.
Day 1
At the end of Day 1 all RS Aero sailors at Malcesine remained in equal 1st place as no racing was possible! We waited ashore and relaxed! The strong morning northerly had been late to die and an adequate southerly never formed.
Day 2
Racing for Day 2 was scheduled for 08:30 with the hope of 4 races during the day. Three races were possible with a brisk 14kn that steadily dropped to about 8kn during the morning.
In the 26 boat RS Aero 5 fleet Attila Banyai (HUN) looked impressive with a large lead in race 1 to ultimately score a 1,3,1. Taking the win in race two was Francesca Ramazzotti (Veliamoci, Sardinia, ITA) with Stef De Clercq (BEL) taking 2nd. As no more racing was possible in the afternoon with the southerly not materialising that left Attila 1st, Francesca 2nd and Axel Almerson (SWE) 3rd. Anouck De Ripainsel (BEL) and Roy Van Maanen (Greystones, IRL) rounded out the top 5 overnight for a good mix of nationalities.
In the 44 boat RS Aero 7 fleet consistency was key with the variety of wind strength giving on opportunity for everyone to perform. Top of the leader board overnight is Daragh Sheridan (Howth, IRL) with an excellent 2,3,2 just ahead of Peter Barton (Lymington, GBR) with two race wins giving a 1,1,6. Winner of the final race was Leopoldo Sirolli (Tognazzi, ITA) to add to a 2nd in race two, Rounding out the top five was the consistent Javier Estarellas (Palma, ESP) and Erik Wahlberg (Gefle, SWE), again showing a good mix of nationalities.
Thanks to the support Rooster Sailing, Selden Mast, RS Sailing and Negri Nautica we have daily awards ceremonies with the leaders giving their top tip from the day to share knowledge for better racing - translated where necessary!
Another early breakfast is scheduled with racing set to start at 08:30 again on Day 3 to be sure to make the most of the good opportunities for racing.
Full results can be found here.