Marina di Carrara- The first national selection for the Optimist class, reserved for division A, began today at the prestigious Marina di Carrara regatta field. The event kicked off with the first two fleet races, following two days of preliminary measurements.
Today’s day ended with two tests for both fleets, following a delayed start due to the late entry of the wind, which allowed the first test to start only around 3pm.
With a breeze of around 5-6 knots coming from 270 degrees, the racing proved extremely interesting and challenging for all 140 participants racing.
“For us at the Nautical Club it is an honor to be able to host these regattas-“ declared the President of the Marina di Carrara Nautical Club, Carlandrea Simonelli –“who will select the boys who will participate in the World Cup and the European Championship, which will be right here at our home. We look forward to knowing the results of this regatta to see who will then represent Italy here, in Marina di Carrara, from 29 June to 7 July.”
After the first two races held, Andrea Tramontano, of the Reale Yacht Club Nautico Canottieri Savoia, is in first position (3-2), while Luca Antoni, of the Club Vela Portocivitanova, is in second position (5-1). Concluding the provisional podium was Cristian Castellan of Società Triestina Sport del Mare (1-6).
Among the girls, Sara Anzellotti of the Italian Naval League Ostia is first, twenty-first in the general ranking (13-19).
This selection is a crucial event as it represents the first of two stages that will determine the national team participating in the European championships, which will take place in Marina di Carrara from 29 June to 7 July, and in the World Cup, scheduled for Mar del Plata, Argentina , from 5 to 15 December.
The selection process will continue with the second and final stage in Cagliari, from 30 May to 2 June, at the end of which the 19 athletes who will represent Italy will be defined: 8 boys and 6 girls will qualify for the European Championship, while the the top five overall finishers will participate in the World Championship.
Three tests are scheduled for tomorrow, starting at 11am.
