European Match Race at Ohrid, Macedonia
by Match Race 6 Sep 2024 16:41 AEST
August 28-31, 2024
European Match Race at Ohrid, Macedonia © Match Race
From August 28 to 31, the majestic Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia became the stage for a nautical competition that left a lasting impression on all attendees.
Imagine a dreamlike setting: a crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering mountains, with the city of Ohrid, rich in history, resting serenely on its shores. However, in the heart of the town, the activity was frenetic with bustling shops and places to taste the delicacies of Macedonian cuisine. This city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, was filled with excitement and energy as the best sailing teams in Europe gathered for the Ohrid Match Race 2024, a key stop on the European Match Race Tour.
Organized by the "Match Race Club" of Ohrid and "Nov Veter" of Skopje, this regatta marked a milestone in Macedonia's sporting history, being the first time an elite sailing event had been held in the country. Expectations were high, and the reality did not disappoint. Eight teams from Macedonia, Spain, Greece, Poland, and France prepared to showcase their skills on the water. Each team consisted of four or five members, bringing the total to 32 competitors who experienced an unforgettable three days.
The atmosphere in Ohrid during those days was electrifying. The regatta not only attracted competitors but also numerous fans and tourists who came to enjoy the competition and the natural beauty of the area. Lake Ohrid, located 700 meters above sea level, offered ideal sailing conditions, with constant winds allowing the boats to display their full potential. The city of Ohrid, with its historical charm and vibrant cultural life, provided the perfect backdrop for this international event.
The competition followed a round-robin format, where all teams faced each other in a series of thrilling duels. From the first day, the tension and competition among the teams were palpable. Each team had something to prove, and all were determined to claim victory. However, it was the Greek team that stood out from the start, showing a technical superiority that allowed them to dominate the first day.
The racecourse was set up in front of the historic pool of the Palace Hotel, an iconic location that became the event's operations center. There, the official fan zone was established, a space where fans could closely follow the races and share their experiences with other sailing enthusiasts. It was a meeting point where camaraderie and passion for the sport were in the air, and where many sailors took the opportunity to exchange knowledge and techniques, contributing to the promotion of sailing in Macedonia.
On the final day, the tension was at its peak. The teams were fighting not only for victory but also for the honor of representing their countries in such a prestigious competition. In the end, it was the French team, led by Timotte Paulette, who took first place, defeating his compatriot Beno Dijou in a final that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Third place went to Jordanis Boutcellioglu of Greece, who demonstrated great tactical skill throughout the competition.
Among the standout teams was the Cigarrán Sailing Team from Baiona's Monterreal International Yacht Club, sponsored by Cigarrán Abogados, Piensos Lenda, and Torre de Nuñez. This Spanish team arrived in Ohrid—the first time a Spanish team participated in this setting—with a solid reputation and an insatiable hunger for victory. Led by José Cigarrán, the team included Oscar Comesaña, a veteran with an impressive track record; Manuel Martínez, a natural strategist; and César López, a tireless competitor. This team had everything needed to make a mark on the competition, and they did, despite facing an unexpected challenge.
The Cigarrán Sailing Team started strong, showcasing their experience and skill in every duel. However, fate had other plans. During the 11th match, an unfortunate accident changed the course of their participation. José Cigarrán, the team's skipper, suffered a blow to the face with the boom, resulting in a lip injury and the loss of a tooth. Despite the pain, Cigarrán tried to continue but was eventually taken to the hospital, where the wound required stitches. This injury forced the team to withdraw from the competition just when they were in a favorable position, with a 50% victory rate in the matches they had completed.
The Cigarrán Sailing Team's withdrawal was a hard blow for the team, but it also served as a reminder of the risks involved in this sport. However, their participation in the Ohrid Match Race 2024 was not in vain.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the team demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level and left a lasting impression on all who had the opportunity to see them in action.
The successful organization of the "European Match Race Cup - Ohrid 2024" has put Macedonia and Lake Ohrid on the sailing world map. The organizers not only managed to carry out a world-class event, but they also created an atmosphere of camaraderie and love for sailing that will surely inspire future competitors and events in the region. They thanked all the sailing clubs, volunteers, organizations, the local government, and partners for their support, which made this memorable event possible.
The event's success was so resounding that the organization has already begun preparations for the Match Race 2025. With the ambition to exceed even the high expectations set this year, the organizers are committed to making the next edition even more spectacular, attracting more international teams and solidifying Lake Ohrid as a must-visit destination on the sailing calendar. The enthusiasm generated by this first edition has created momentum that promises to turn North Macedonia into a sailing epicenter in the years to come.
The Ohrid Match Race 2024 was not just a sailing competition; it was a celebration of sport, history, and the natural beauty of North Macedonia. For all who participated and attended, it was an experience they will not soon forget. The combination of elite competition, the stunning setting of Lake Ohrid, and the city's hospitality made this event a true success. And although the Cigarrán Sailing Team could not finish the competition as they had hoped, their fighting spirit and dedication were evident to all. Now, we can only hope that this regatta becomes an annual tradition, attracting more teams and spectators from around the world and ensuring that Macedonia continues to shine on the world sports map.