Türkiye and Spain share the lead after opening day of Optimist European Team Racing Championship in Campione del Garda

68 races completed as northerly morning breeze gives way to southerly afternoon wind. Croatia sit third, with Italy fourth ahead of Poland.

Campione del Garda, 14 October – Türkiye and Spain are tied on points at the top of the provisional standings following the opening day of racing at the Optimist European Team Racing Championship, taking place in Campione del Garda from 13 to 17 October. After 68 races, Croatia sit third, followed by Italy in fourth and Poland in fifth.

The championship brings together 64 young sailors representing 16 nations, with four sailors on each team. Organised by Univela under the auspices of the Italian Sailing Federation, with support from Regione Lombardia and in cooperation with IODA, the International Optimist Dinghy Association, the event brings European team racing competition to Lake Garda.

Two sessions deliver 68 races on opening day

Racing took place across two sessions. The teams headed out onto the water in a northerly breeze in the morning, before returning for an afternoon session in a southerly wind. The change in conditions accompanied a busy opening-day programme, with 68 races completed.

Türkiye and Spain ended the day tied on points at the top of the standings. The Turkish line-up features Elif Terece, Ada Vera Tüfekçiler, Ahmet Arel Barut and Cengiz Eren Güvenç. Spain are represented by Pedro Burgues Pastor, Mary Anne Osha Perez, Maria de Lluc Bestard Mas and Jan Palou Espinar.

Croatia hold third place with a team comprising Albert Lebinac, Ana Perušić, Rita Lukarić and Matija Borčić.

Italy fourth in the provisional standings

Matteo Faraoni, Marta Pisoni, Annalie Meoni and Filippo Nardocci represent Italy, who finished the opening day in provisional fourth place, behind Croatia and ahead of Poland.

The standings remain open as the first day’s results establish the early order. Racing will continue over the coming days, with the championship concluding on 17 October.

Sixteen nations competing

The nations competing for the European title are Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Türkiye.