OptiOrange international Optimist class regatta at Real Club Nautico Valencia - Day 1
by RCNV Press 3 Mar 14:44 PST
2-5 March 2023
OptiOrange Valencia 2023, day 1 © Pep Portas / RCNV
The first of four days in the international regatta, organized by the Real Club Náutico de Valencia, saw three races. The wind conditions were light and when wind did arrive it reached 5-6 knots, although in the last race it reached 8-9 knots, at least for the first two groups, swinging from 130º to 100º, making it a very long day for the fleet of 456 sailors.
The Andalusian Leo Zabell (CNM Benalmádena), sailing the Green group, has been unbeatable on the waters off Valencia. With three first places, he is the overall leader with three points. In the Purple group, Mateo Carbonell (CN Jávea) from Javea, with scores of 1-1-3, is in second place, shared with the Ukrainian Sviatoslav Madonich, also in the same group, although their numbers have been quite different: 2-2-1. Both have shown a high level of ability.
The German Lukas Wagner is fourth thanks to the results he has obtained in the Yellow group: 2-2-2, adding 6 points. Behind and with 7 is the Swede Alexander Forssen (1-1-5).
The first female in the results is found in 17th place. The santapolera Elsa Sellés (CN Santa Pola), U13 and in the Green group, closes the day with 2-2-18, this being the only "mole" and that deprives her of being higher up.
One of the great favorites for the title, Blanca Ferrando (RCN Valencia), has not had her day yet. At the moment she is fifth of the females and her start has been very discreet, with a 31st place in the first race of the day. In the second the Valencian upped to a second place. In the last race she finished fourth.
Full results here