Optimists in the Ora Cup Ora 2025 at Circolo Vela Arco - Day 1
by Elena Giolai 8 Aug 12:16 PDT
8-10 August 2025
The Ora Cup Ora 2025 kicked off with steady breeze and strong international participation. The event, held under the aegis of the Italian Sailing Federation, is one of the highlights of the Optimist calendar and a flagship regatta for Circolo Vela Arco, running through to Sunday, August 10.
A total of 569 sailors are competing - 501 in the Juniores category and 68 in the Cadetti division - representing 35 countries. Notably, there is a record attendance from the United States (50 athletes), alongside large delegations from Hungary (52), Switzerland (42), France (41), the Netherlands (36), Turkey (27), Argentina (16), as well as teams from China, Hong Kong, and Brazil.
The first day of racing saw perfect conditions on Lake Garda: the typical southern breeze, known as the "Ora" started at around 10 knots, peaked at 16 knots during the second race, and eased slightly in the third. Three races were completed for all four Juniores fleets and the youngest Cadetti group (ages 9-10). In the Cadetti Division (Category B), Lucas Christiansen from Puerto Rico (2-2-1) leads the standings, followed by Noé Chateau from France (6-3-4) and Diego Baraldi from Italy (CV Punta Marina).
Melissa Copur of Turkey is the top girl in the fleet, currently in fourth overall, followed by the French duo Léonie Le Ralec and Alix Gastellu. In the Juniores (Category A), Ernest Albarian of France dominated the day with three wins in three races. He is followed by Carl Birgersson from Sweden, and local sailor Andrea Demurtas from Fraglia Vela Riva. The top female is Lilou Backes from France, seventh overall, ahead of Inez Heimann (Denmark) and Carla Waltersdorfer (Austria).
France showed strong overall performances across both categories, confirming its high level in the class. The second day of racing is scheduled for Saturday, with the first warning signal at 13:00. One of the most anticipated moments for all participants will follow in the afternoon: the traditional lottery, always a highlight for the young sailors.