European Match Race Circuit Round 3 at Lake Iskar, Bulgaria
by matchrace.es 25 Sep 2024 21:01 AEST
19-22 September 2024
European Match Race Circuit Round 3 at Lake Iskar, Bulgaria © matchrace.es
The third stop of the European Match Race Circuit has come to an end in a spectacular location: Lake Iskar, Bulgaria. This lake, located just 30 kilometers south of Sofia, is the largest in the country and, interestingly, is an artificial reservoir.
Created in 1949 to supply drinking water to the capital and generate electricity, Lake Iskar has also become an ideal getaway for those seeking tranquillity, surrounded by mountains and forests. With its 30 square kilometres of water and depths reaching up to 75 meters, it's easy to imagine how beautiful this place is. Beyond being a natural paradise, it has also become a perfect setting for large-scale events like the match race.
For four days, from the 19th to the 22nd, ten teams from various countries, including Bulgaria, England, France, and Spain, competed in the challenging racecourse of Lake Iskar. The goal was clear: it wasn't just about winning this stop of the circuit, but also securing spots for the grand finale of the European Match Race Circuit, which will take place in Naples, Italy, from October 25th to 27th. The lake's conditions did not make things easy for either the sailors or the organizing committee. The shifting winds, both in intensity and direction, kept everyone on edge. However, this challenge also made the races a fascinating spectacle for the hundreds of spectators who gathered along the lake's shores to enjoy the event.
Despite the weather complications, most of the program went ahead as planned, except on the final day when the first semifinals had to be cancelled due to weather conditions. Even so, the thrilling competition known as "King of the Castle" took place, in which the teams that did not qualify for the semifinals competed for the best placement among them. This is where the Spanish team, Cigarran Sailing Team, stood out. This young team, which has been showing constant improvement on the European circuit, won the match and demonstrated great potential and growth in the match race discipline.
The overall winner of this third stop was the French team led by Thimotte Polet, a sailor who is not only an expert in match racing but also in ocean sailing. His preparation for the upcoming "Jacques Vabre 2025" is just one example of his talent and dedication. Polet and his team made no mistakes throughout the competition, leaving no doubt that French match racing remains a dominant force. In second place was another French team, led by Benoit Dijoux, which, despite a strong fight, couldn't surpass Thimotte. In third place was the English team led by **Cyrus Ledru**, which started with a lower performance but improved with each match, making them a team to watch out for in the Naples final.
The Greek team, led by veteran Stavros Kouris, finished in fourth place but left a lasting impression by offering to conduct a clinic at the club's facilities, a proposal that was enthusiastically welcomed by all attendees.
As for the Spanish Cigarran Sailing Team, they came from the far west of Europe, specifically from the Real Club Marítimo de Baiona, in Galicia. Sponsored by "Cigarran Abogado", Lenda, Torre de Nuñez, and supported by "Tierra y Mar Multiaventura" and "Deporte Galego". Although they finished in fifth place, they were just a step away from reaching their first semifinals. Additionally, they won the "King of the Castle" competition, reaffirming their excellent progression in this demanding European circuit. The team experienced ups and downs: nerves got the best of them in the first match, followed by excessive aggression in another, a third match with some questionable refereeing decisions, and finally, a tactical error in the last race cost them a spot in the semifinals. However, these details do not overshadow their overall performance, as they continue to advance and find their place in match racing.
Not only did they come close to the semifinals and win the "King of the Castle" title, but they also secured a spot in the Grand Final of the Match Race in Naples, where the 12 best teams in Europe will compete from October 24th to 28th. This achievement reflects the team's commitment and continuous improvement, as they keep growing in a discipline as technical and demanding as match racing.
Before concluding this report, it's important to highlight the performance of the local Bulgarian team, led by Samuel Karadzhian. Although they finished ninth in the first round, in the "King of the Castle" competition, they eliminated opponents until they faced the Spanish team, which blocked their path to the title. Nevertheless, Samuel and his team were one of the surprises of the championship, showing much better performance than expected and putting experienced rivals in difficult situations.
With this exciting stop at Lake Iskar, the third stage of the Ultramarine Match Race European Circuit comes to a close. Thanks should be given to the organizing committee, led by Yavor Kolev and his team, who managed to pull off such a complex event despite the challenging weather conditions. Now, the teams are already thinking about the next stop, but above all, the grand final that will take place in Naples, where the European champion of this edition of the circuit will be crowned.
During the regatta, there was an important moment of social awareness thanks to the joint initiative of "Plastic Race" and the "European Match Race". Volunteers, judges, sailors, organizers, and city hall staff joined forces in a clean-up effort, collecting up to 2 tons of plastic and waste. This activity not only highlighted the importance of the competition but also the commitment to sustainability and environmental care.
Conclusion
The Cigarran Sailing Team has shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level, but they are still in development. Their evolution in the circuit has been remarkable, and there's no doubt they'll be ready to give it their all in Naples. A true pride for sailing in Spain! The organization is already thinking ahead to 2025.