Another long day of racing at Centro Velico Punta Ala, marked by light, unstable winds and plenty of waiting.
The first start only came at 13:30 thanks to a shy thermal breeze, and the last fleet – the Heavyweights (D) – came back ashore around 18:00. Despite the challenging conditions, all categories managed to complete the eight scheduled course races.
The Race Committee also attempted to set up the course for Slalom, but the remaining time was not enough to launch even a single heat.
To close the day in great style, and with the applause of the crowd, came the Freestyle show: twenty competitors went head-to-head with tricks in 3-minute heats, right in front of the Beach Bar, in the festive atmosphere of the Happy Hour and evening DJ set organized by the staff of PuntAla Camp & Resort, the event’s logistics partner.
The final took place at twilight, with the Gulf of Follonica painted by the colors of the sunset, and featured Valeria Zullo, Giulia Cocco, Luca Del Gato, Stephan Louw, Marco Di Benedetto, Nicola Spadea, Skir Nederpelt, and Sam van Diepen, listed here in the order in which they performed.
Although the trial does not compete for the overall ranking, it was a time of great participation and sharing, once again highlighting the unique spirit of the Windsurfer class.
Great anticipation now for knowing the winners, who will be announced tomorrow during the awards ceremony.
With the completion of the eighth race, the standings are becoming clearer.
In the Women’s fleet (F), Valeria Zullo (ITA 1710, Tognazzi Marine Village) leads thanks to her consistency, ahead of Benedetta Barone (ITA 230, Circolo Canottieri Aniene) and Maria Giada Zalapì (ITA 23, Albaria). The young Ilaria Marras (ITA 209) drops to fifth place.
In the Lightweights (A), Andrea Marchesi (ITA 017, Associazione Vela Sabazia) confirms his dominance with six wins and a solid margin over his pursuers. Behind him, Pascal Bugeaud (FRA 6069) holds second place, while Marco Costagli (ITA 85, Vela LNI Piombino) sits third, ready to fight for the podium in the final days.
In the Mediums (B), it’s an extremely tight battle: reigning world champion Alessandro Torzoni (ITA 90, LNI Olbia) and Frenchman Frédéric Duthil (FRA 1377) are tied at the top with 9 net points. Eric Belot (FRA 397, Yacht Club Villeneuve Loubet) is in third, just four points behind, leaving the standings wide open.
In the Heavy-Mediums (C), Frenchman Cyril Dardashti (FRA 5611) continues to lead, holding a solid margin over compatriot Jean Philippe Delapierre (FRA 037). Italian legend Fabio Balini (ITA 211) completes the provisional podium.
In the Heavies (D), France’s Frédéric Gautier (FRA 8, St Quentin) keeps shining at the top, solidly in command after eight consistent races. Just two points behind is fellow Frenchman Frédéric Boc-Ho (FRA 303, Wishbone Club Dinard), while Dutch sailor Marcel Van der Ploeg (NED 031, WSV Oostvoorne) holds provisional third place. The standings remain wide open: only six points separate third from sixth.
Tomorrow the European Windsurfer Class 2025 Championship will experience its final day: the first warning signal is scheduled at 10:00 a.m., with the last starting signal at 2:00 p.m. The last decisive races are scheduled, including the Slalom and the long-awaited Long Distance, which could prove decisive in awarding the continental titles.
Full rankings: https://bit.ly/EC25WSresults
Live tracking MetaSail: https://bit.ly/EC25WSlive
Updated schedule and news: https://www.centrovelicopuntaala.it/regate/campionato-europeo-windsurfer-2025/
