Tenzor International Cup - J/70 Open Winter Series 2025/26 - Leg 5 Day 1
by Burak Zengin 21 Mar 18:40 AEDT
20-22 March 2026
The opening day of the regatta delivered spectacular conditions and intense action, with three races completed for each team. Competitors were greeted by winds of 8-10 knots at the start, which built to a robust 14-16 knots, allowing crews to enjoy excellent boat speed and fierce on water battles.
Two teams became the early leaders, tied at the top of the leaderboard. Ada JR Kalinka team, skippered by Alpa Doguoglu, and Dolce Vita, led by Inna Balashova, demonstrated superior tactical execution to set the pace.
Ada JR Kalinka's skipper, Alp Doguoglu, expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance. Tactician Mikhail Ushkov added further insight:
"We integrated into the team perfectly. The wind was strong and shifty. It was crucial to turn at the right moment and do it well. Our strategy was to minimise manoeuvrers and rely on our speed. The team worked together excellently, and there was a bit of luck as well. We still have issues for improvement; there were some technical errors that we will work on to secure a good position by the end of the regatta."
The next three positions in the leaderboard after encountering some challenges on the course went to the teams "Russian Bogatyrs" helmed by Igor Rytov, Happyhour JR skippered Erman Ayvaz and Ptichki Sailing Team led by Elvira Pinchuk.
The overall series favourites, Tenzor Team, find themselves just on 8th place after the first day. However, with only one-third of the competition complete, the regatta remains wide open.
Tactician Daniil Odintsov of Tenzor Team commented on the day's difficulties:
"We were racing in the open waters between Greece and Turkey. The wind direction created conditions we hadn't experienced before. Races were less about speed and more about tactics. Unfortunately, I didn't handle that very well—we made several tactical mistakes and missed the shifts. In the third race, we were unlucky. We were in the top-3 approaching a mark near the shore, but within a minute, we ended up near the back after getting caught between two wind gusts. We'll keep fighting; there are still six more races ahead."
Sailors reflected on the demanding beautiful conditions on the Aegean Sea.
Arif Gurdenli from Orient Express shared his perspective:
"Today, everything was great. The sun, the weather, and everything were perfectly prepared. However, the conditions were very strong. When you're ahead of your competitors, one mistake can put you behind. It was a big surprise for us in a few races—there were ups and downs. It wasn't a very good day for us, but we hope to improve. We are definitely very happy because we don't get to do a race like this every time."
Doga Aribas from Team Nautique noted the high level of the fleet:
"We had tricky winds in the channel course. We have a nine-boat fleet, but it's tight, so every mistake gets penalised. It wasn't the best day for us; we made some mistakes and paid for them. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will try to be better. We are in Aspat, a beautiful place with a beautiful marina and beautiful water. The weather is really good, so it's a great opportunity for us to sail in warm weather and train for the upcoming season."
With six more races scheduled, the competition is set to continue, promising more tactical intrigue and high-stakes action.