Optimists in the Ora Cup Ora 2025 at Circolo Vela Arco - Day 2
by Elena Giolai 9 Aug 10:54 PDT
8-10 August 2025
The second day of the Ora Cup Ora 2025 was sailed in lighter winds, perfectly in line with the spirit of an event that, for 30 editions, has combined sailing, friendship, and tourism on Lake Garda.
Of the 569 sailors competing (501 in the Juniores category and 68 in the Cadetti division, from 35 nations), only the Yellow Juniores fleet managed to complete three races; the other three Juniores fleets and the Cadetti stopped at two due to a drop in wind.
Results after day 2
In Division B/Cadetti, Lucas Christiansen (Puerto Rico) continued his impressive form, adding two more race wins to maintain the lead. Just one point behind is Konstantinos Sofronas (Greece), who benefited from the discard after the fourth race to drop the disqualification (UFD) from the opening race. In third is Melissa Copur (Turkey), twice third today and the top girl in the fleet. The second and third girls are Greta Albarian and Alix Gastellu (France).
In Category A/Juniores, the standings are extremely close: Briggs Kossmann (USA) and Andrea Demurtas (Fraglia Vela Riva, Italy) are tied for the lead, both scoring two wins in their respective fleets today. Third overall is Davide Veronesi (CN Bardolino, Italy), just three points behind the leaders. Fourth overall and top girl is Annalie Meoni (FV Malcesine, Italy), followed by Marta Waltersdorfer (Austria, 9th overall) and Lilou Backes (France, 11th overall).
As every year, the regatta confirms its international reach and its ability to unite sport and culture: among the past winners are now world-class champions such as Ruggero Tita (double Olympic gold in the Nacra 17) and Giulia Conti (winner of the Women's America's Cup with Luna Rossa). Also a highlight of the day was the traditional Saturday prize lottery, a moment of celebration and sharing for both Cadetti and Juniores. Sunday will see the decisive phase: in the Juniores, the top 125 in the overall standings will compete in the Gold Fleet for the final podium. If the northerly breeze arrives, the racecourse will offer completely different conditions from the first two days, with flat water and, hopefully, stronger pressure.