Tenzor International Cup - J/70 Open Winter Series 2025/26 - Leg 3 Overall
by Burak Zengin 19 Jan 03:56 PST
15-18 January 2026
The third Leg of the prestigious Tenzor International Cup - J/70 Open Winter Series 2025/2026 concluded on Sunday with full sporting program of 9 races done.
Trem Sailing Team, led by Svetlana Sorokina, clinched a stunning victory following an impressive comeback on the final racing day.
The decisive day started in perfect conditions: warm sunshine and gusty winds of 10-20 knots. Trem Sailing Team executed it flawlessly, winning the first two races and securing fourth place in the final one. This consistency allowed them to overtake their main rivals and claim the top spot on the podium.
"We went into the races without high expectations, completely relaxed. We didn't focus on our results, but concentrated on our speed and tactics. The impressions are fantastic, we are incredibly happy to win. It's especially impressive how basic things brought us this result. Thanks to the team - all maneuvers and coordination were impeccable," commented the winning team's tactician, Mikhail Ushkov.
The battle for the remaining podium spots was equally fierce. The teams "Russian Bogatyrs" led by Igor Rytov and Ptichki Sailing Team, helmed by Elvira Pinchuk, finished the regatta tied on points. According to the regatta rules, due to a greater number of race wins, the silver medal went to "Bogatyrs," while "Ptichki" took the bronze.
"The racing was very tight and intense from the first to the last day. Almost the entire fleet was separated by minimal points gaps, and any mistake immediately showed on the scoreboard. We managed to outperform our rivals through consistency, good starts, and coordinated teamwork. The emotional intensity was very high: excitement, concentration, passion, and the pleasure of the battle. This was valuable experience and a good result for us," shared Ptichki Sailing Team's helmsman, Elvira Pinchuk.
Tenzor Team maintained fourth place, Bars Sailing Team finished fifth, celebrating a victory in the final race, and Dolce Vita rounded out the top six.
"It was a full, intense regatta; all 9 races were completed. The fleet has grown very strong, and all the top teams performed at a high level. It was a tough regatta for us. We understand where our mistakes were, we've analyzed them and will definitely improve," summarized Tenzor Team's tactician, Daniil Odintsov.
The top ten also included Gaswar (7th), Eker Efsane (8th), IVEDI (9th), and Orient Express (10th).
Ugur Esen, a crew member of Eker Efsane, noted: "This was a top-level regatta. We raced in all kinds of conditions - light, medium, and strong winds. We had great fun. Russian teams largely dominated, but we were always in the fight. The final result could have been better, but overall we are satisfied. We eagerly await the next stage."
In the Corinthian division, the crew of Orient Express celebrated a confident victory. Second place went to Ayaz JR, and third to ASPAT.
"Third day of racing brought us fantastic opportunities to test our skills, fitness and stamina. 3 races were held under good wind and good race location. First race we struggled slightly with speed and resulted 9th. Next two races we were able to find top spots at the first mark then loosing ground at the downwind leg. Following 7th and 6th places showed where we need to focus for the next Tenzor International Cup leg in February. Looking forward to it", - commented Arif Gurdenli, team Orient Express.
Organizers and participants successfully completed all scheduled races in varied wind conditions. The next, fourth stage of the Tenzor International Cup - J/70 Open Winter Series 2025/2026 promises to be no less exciting and will take place from February 19 to 22 in Bodrum.
Top ten boats after nine races:
1. Trem Sailing Team 25.0
2. Russian Bogatyrs 27.0
3. Ptichki Sailing Team 27.0
4. Tenzor Team 34.0
5. Bars Sailing Team 36.0
6. Dolce Vita 39.0
7. Gaswar 48.0
8. Eker Efsane Yogurt 55.0
9. IVEDI 60.0
10. Orient Express 65.0