Italy Wins 2018 European Team Racing Championship

Italy took top honours at the 2018 European Team Racing Championship today in Lago di Ledro in a close battle against Sweden in the Finals.  The first race was a close finish with Italy taking the win at the finishing line with a red flag against Sweden.  Sweden came back to win the second race but was unable to hold back the Italians on the third race giving the Italians the win and overall title.

Italy is on a hot streak not only winning the 2018 European Championship and awarded the Top Nation earlier in the summer, they have now shown their depth of talent winning the 2018 European Team Racing Championship as well.

The races for 3rd and 4th position overall was equally as tight as the Gold and Silver match.  Both Turkey and Poland won a race each but in the end, Poland had the winning combination to beat Turkey and take the bronze medal in the championship.

Although it was light wind throughout the championship, the top four teams were very close going into the finals.  The overall ranking and results for all 15 teams are as follows:

1. ITALY

2. SWEDEN

3. POLAND

4. TURKEY

5. SPAIN

6. GREECE

7. GERMANY

8. NETHERLANDS

9. CROATIA

10. RUSSIA

11. UKRAINE

12. ISRAEL

13. GREAT BRITAIN

14. DENMARK

15. SLOVENIA

Many thanks to the Associazione Vela Lago di Ledro for hosting and organizing this very special and successful event.  This was the 10th year they have hosted this championship and their expertise in running team racing and match racing events and their passion for the sport is exemplary. The organizing committee and team of volunteers are a joy to work with.  Also, many thanks to the Italian Optimist Association and the many sponsors for their support in the championship.

Team racing is a very special part of the Optimist experience.  It is the only time that a sailor experiences true teamwork and nationalistic pride, while hanging out with their good friends on their team.  The 2018 European Team Racing Championship is a special event held only in Europe. The 15 teams that took part this year had a great week of learning and had a ton of fun.  When the wind wasn’t cooperating, there were endless games of fooseball played against one other.

IODA is looking forward to the event returning next year to beautiful Lago di Ledro, in Italy.