After a taste of wind and spectacle on the first day, the F18 National Regatta got into full swing today in Punta Ala. At 12 noon, with the Delta flag hoisted, the fleet took to the water on the race course positioned in front of the beach at the PuntAla Camp & Resort..
Four full trials were contested, all consisting of two laps, with an average duration of between 30 and 40 minutes. It was an intense day, both technically and physically, for the 22 competing crews, ready to do battle in ideal but far from easy conditions. The left side of the field paid in many situations, but there was no shortage of opportunities for those who chose the right side as well.
The weather played in favor: full sunshine, pleasant weather and a light west-southwest wind with constant intensity between 7 and 8 knots ensured the smooth running of the races, keeping the level of concentration and spectacle high throughout the day.
There was also no shortage of adrenaline: in the last start an excess of eagerness led to the disqualification (UFD) of two boats.
On the sporting side, the solidity of the ITA 2 team – Maurizio Stella and Davide Paolo Recalcati, authors of a very solid series of first places (1-1-4-1-1) is confirmed. Their consistency keeps them firmly in the lead. No change at the top for the rest of the podium either: second the Viganò brothers (ITA 303), third Fiorini / Casamenti (ITA 11).
📊 Provisional ranking after 5 trials:
🥇 ITA 2 – Stella / Recalcati
🥈 ITA 303 – Andrea & Matteo Viganò
🥉 ITA 11 – Fiorini / Casamenti
📄 Here are the results after the second day
📸 Here is the full gallery
And upon returning to the beach, the spirit of PuntAla Camp&Resort did the rest: beach volleyball tournaments, impromptu games, swimming in the beautiful blue sea of the Gulf of Follonica, and a relaxed atmosphere at the beachfront shiringuito, to close out a busy and spectacular day in the best way possible.
The appointment is for tomorrow, with an early start at 11:00 a.m. and three trials scheduled to close this intense weekend of sport sailing in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma.
Photos by Lisa Ginanni
