EARLY CELEBRATIONS FOR NEFELI
This week would normally have seen the Melges 24 European Championship take place in Portorož, but the pandemic led to its rescheduling. Instead of that, sailors have been given the opportunity to race at the Marina Portorož Melges 24 Regatta, the third event of the European Sailing Series.
Test event for 2021 European Championship. Photo: IM24CA/Zerogradinord
“Given current global conditions, it’s really a unique privilege to be able to put on an international event and see teams from six countries tackle the winds in Slovenian waters,” said David Bartol, president of the hosting club.
Participants left the shore at 11:00 and enjoyed excellent sailing conditions throughout the day with 6 to13 knots blowing from NE.
Nefeli's first bullet Photo: IM24CA/Zerogradinord
“This is our third time in Portorož. The day started with light winds, which developed in the afternoon allowing us to run four races. We scored our first bullet in the Melges fleet ever and won also the fourth race, so it was a great day for me and we will definitely celebrate this success tonight," was pumped up Peter Karrie, helmsman of Nefeli (GER 673), who is sitting in first place with 7 points.
Arkanoe by Montura (ITA 809), skippered by Sergio Caramel, took a very close second with 9 points, while Gill Race Team (GBR 649) is ranked third overall with 11 points.
Racing continues tomorrow, day two of the event, with race number 5 scheduled at 10:00.
