The Windsurfer European Championship heats up as it reaches its halfway point, with two more course races completed this afternoon. All fleets have now sailed six races, with the exception of the Medium (B – Blue) category, which remains at five.
The provisional rankings are becoming clearer, thanks also to the introduction of the first discard after the fifth race.
In the women’s fleet, Valeria Zullo (ITA 1710, Tognazzi Marine Village) moved into the lead with a 4th and 3rd today, and by discarding her earlier disqualification in Race 2. Just three points behind is Benedetta Barone (ITA 230), who dominated the day with two race wins. In third place, tied on points with Barone, is 16-year-old Ilaria Marras (ITA 209), who led after the first four races but slipped back with two 10th-place finishes today.
Among the Lightweight (A), Andrea Marchesi (ITA 017, Associazione Vela Sabazia) remains untouchable with five firsts and one second in six races. The fight for second is between Pascal Bugeaud (FRA 6069) and Marco Costagli (ITA 85), separated by only three points.
The Mediums (B) are locked in a fierce battle: Frédéric Duthil (FRA 1377) and reigning World Champion Alessandro Torzoni (ITA 90, LNI Olbia) are tied at the top with 6 points, while Eric Belot (FRA 397) is third, just three points behind.
In the Medium-Heavyweights (C), the discard reshuffles the top 3: Cyril Dardashti (FRA 5611) holds the lead with five firsts and one second, mirroring Marchesi’s scoreline in A. Fellow Frenchman Jean Philippe Delapierre (FRA 037) climbs into second thanks to two runner-up finishes today and by discarding his earlier disqualification. In third sits Italian legend Fabio Balini (ITA 211).
The Heavyweights (D) also saw a shake-up: Frédéric Gautier (FRA 8, St Quentin) now leads, three points ahead of fellow Frenchman Frédéric Boc-Ho (FRA 303, Wishbone Club Dinard). Finland’s Juha Blinnikka (FIN 0006, Espoonlahden Surfittalli) lies third and remains firmly in the hunt for the podium.
The championship now enters its decisive phase.
Tomorrow, conditions permitting, it will be back on the water for new course race practice, with first starting signal at 11:00 a.m., and final slalom batteries.
The day closed with the Crew Dinner Party at the Bubula Restaurant: a super attended evening with a festive atmosphere, made special by a delicious menu that won over everyone present. A moment of merriment much appreciated by competitors and companions, which once again confirmed the excellent hospitality of the PuntAla Camp& Resort venue and the Punta Ala Sailing Center.
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/
