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Posted: 2010-02-16
Photos: Capizzano.com
Every year in Argentina the sailing family (not only local but from abroad as well) gather in the city of Mar del Plata, some 400 km to the south of the capital city of the country, to participate in the ‘Semana del Mar’ (Sea week). This championship is made up of two events organised by two different clubs -the Club Náutico Mar del Plata and the Yacht Club Argentino- which cooperate in the organisation of both events and have a common goal: provide the best environment and human resources to ensure that participants sail in a top level event.
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February 6 to 10 was the turn of the Club Náutico Mar del Plata to host the 45 edition of the International Sailing Week. This event has been a festive occasion for monotype sailing since 1966 and this year was no exception. About a hundred volunteers, free accommodation for approximately 90 sailors, 5 racing areas, online updated info sent directly from the courses off shore, ‘chocolatada y churros de Manolo’ (chocolate milk and typical crullers of a famous local brand) on arrival to the harbour from the races for all the participants, check-in/out system with magnetic cards, free Power Ade and Red Bull for everyone, music and social activities, provided the perfect atmosphere for the sailor to enjoy to their best. The club edited a special magazine of the event and during the closing ceremony a cover band was the excuse to dance until dawn (spare day afterwards!! :) |
The CNMP would like to thank their sponsors, without which this would have not been possible: Banco Galicia, San Cristóbal Seguros, Manolo, Powerade, Red Bull, North Sails, Riotecna, Astillero FMA y Banghó.
The sailing festival was organised for 12 dinghy Classes, of which Optimist was the largest. 135 advanced sailors ran their races in open waters in front of ‘Playa Grande’ and 109 intermediate competitors sailed in the sheltered waters inside the harbour. The Optimist class was also the one that attracted the largest number of foreign sailors, with participants from USA, Chile, New Zealand, Brazil, and Uruguay.
The weather provided varied conditions for the joy of all the sailors. Saturday 6 saw light winds ranging from 6 to 11 knots while on Sunday 7 one race was completed in 14 knots under an overcast sky, just before it started to pour over the sailors going back into the harbour. Monday 8 was the day for the heavy weights… and for Matías Capizzano. A strong South West with gust of 28 knots allowed him to take the amazing shots we are used to seeing in his portfolio. Notwithstanding the tough conditions, the advanced Opti fleet completed three races on rough open waters.
Klaus Lange - 1st overall
Brian Higgins - second overall
The last day of races couldn’t have been better: a breeze of 15 knots from the North West, blue skies, 30 degrees of air temperature and an emerald sea provided the background for Klaus Lange and Brian Higgins from Argentina to ensure their victory as first and second overall in the Advanced fleet. Third overall was the Chilean Sailor Francisco Ducasse.
Francisco Ducasse - third overall
The prize giving ceremony was presided by Mr Gustavo Pulti, Mayor of the City of Mar del Plata.
Congratulations to all the sailors and thank you for coming to Mar del Plata. We hope you can join us next year!
Event website: http://www.45siy.org
Photos from Matías Capizzano: http://www.capizzano.com/45SIY2010/index.htm
Results: http://www.45siy.org/resultados/optitimo.htm
Following a well deserved free day, on February 11 the sailors launched their boats for the start of the "Semana de Mar del Plata", hosted by the Yacht Club Argentino. A blue sky forecasted a fantastic day of racing, which indeed followed, allowing the sailors to complete 3 races in 11 knots of a northesterly breeze.
A thick fog in the morning of Friday the 12 forced the authorities to close the harbour and sailors were compelled to stay on shore until past midday, when the fog began to recede. Two races were completed and the single discard of the eight-race championship was applied. The Willifords and Harry Koeppel from USA were already leading the score board, with two Argentineans and a New Zealander close behind them.
The third day of races saw competitors sailing in strong winds and rough seas, with gusts reaching 25 knots; while on Sunday the 14, the last day of an exciting week in Mar del Plata, the sailors enjoyed moderate winds under a completely blue sky.
Finally the three first places were taken by:
- Christopher Williford (USA - IODA NAM Champion 2009)
- Duncan Williford (USA)
- Juan Martín Queirel (ARG)
See the results here: http://www.yca.org.ar/Popup.aspx?Id=436
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