Record-breaking IOM Europeans in Croatia: 100 boats at the start in Rogoznica
by JK Val Šibenik 7 Apr 00:19 AEST
6-11 April 2025
After the European Championship in 2018 and the World Championship in 2022, Sailing Club Val from Šibenik will once again host the European Championship for the International One Meter class.
The regatta, with the support of the Municipality of Rogoznica, the Rogoznica Tourist Board, and Marina Frapa, is traditionally organized in Rogoznica. This year's European Championship makes Rogoznica the location with the most major world regattas held in the IOM class.
Besides this fact, Rogoznica will also enter the history of this class as the first regatta where 100 competitors will sail together. Previous competitions had a maximum of 76 sailboats, but thanks to changes in the sailing system, the participation of a three-digit number of competitors has been made possible.
In addition to sailors from 16 European countries, competitors from North and South America and Asia are also expected.
'Sailing Club Val from Šibenik has already established itself as a reliable and respected organizer of regattas for the International One Meter class, regularly attracting a significant number of domestic and foreign crews. I am glad that this year in Rogoznica we have broken the magical number of 100 sailboats, which is just proof of how much sailors love coming to Croatia,' said Hrvoje Duvancic, a member of the European Championship organizing committee.
The Croatian national team is exceptionally large this year and will be led by the current and four-time world champion Zvonko Jelacic.
The first day of competition is scheduled for Sunday, April 6th, and sailing will continue until Friday, April 11th.
The fleet will be divided into five groups that will sail qualifying races during the first half of the championship, after which five strength-based groups will be formed.
Although these are radio-controlled sailboats one meter in length, they are fast vessels capable of sailing even in conditions when most other sailboats seek shelter. The competition rules are identical to those that apply to all other sailing classes, as is the shape of the racecourse, the so-called "windward-leeward" course with two laps.
The regatta can be followed live via YouTube, and more information can be found at www.iomrogoznica.com