Koch into the lead

A report from the first day of the Soling Worlds

Today the first two of seven scheduled races for the Soling World took place this afternoon on the waters of Castiglione della Pescaia. Winner of the first race was GER 300 (Koch, Koch, Jornenann) and of the second HUN 1 (Gyenese, Monus, Vezer). Buoy roundings with boats missing each other by millimeters, spinnakers flying full and boats surfing downwind - all this against the magical backdrop of Castiglione della Pescaia's castle and Maremma's pristine nature. On the tourist boat Marinella a hundred children of local secondary schools followed the races close up.

Both races where on a triangle course with three laps on each leg and an up wind finish for a total of 20 nautical miles each.

At the start of the first race given at 12:05, 32 crews squared up under a wonderful sunny sky, with winds blowing at 7-18 knots from the north west, with gusts up to 22. 11 crews stayed on land to discount a penalty accrued in yesterday's race. Winner of the first competition was the German team of Koch, Koch and Jornenann (GER 300 - see below) followed by SLO 1 (Antoncic, Strakh, Hmeljak) and in third position the Americans Kamps, Kamps, Kasniunas on USA 832. The Italians did well scoring a sixth position sailing with local Domenico Carducci on ITA 254, also Italian Secretary of the Soling Association.

After a breathtaking start the fleet split up the beat on opposite tacks, some choosing to sail along the coast, others opting for the open sea. ITA 254 rounded the upwind mark first, closely followed by GER 267 (Kochen, Deertz, Hall) and USA 832 (Kamps, Kamps, Kasniunas), while on the first run CAN 848 (Allen, Anderson, Norris) and SLO 1 caught up. Halfway through the race the wind gusted and shifted to the right, offering an unforgettable sight as the kites filled, boats surfed and crews raced downwind towards the castle.



The second race kicked off at 15:50 and saw all 43 teams from 13 nations competing. The Hungarian team of Gyenese, Monus, Vezer (HUN 1) won. The wind had increased in intensity, but direction was unvaried. Better visibility allowed contestants to see the profile of Elba on the horizon while beating towards the windward mark. From the beginning the leading pack with GER 300, HUN 1, SLO 1 and NOR 133 pulled away, with the rest of the fleet remaining compact. This led to memorable gybing duels into the leeward gate and spectacular buoy roundings. HUN 1 cut the finish line first, followed by Koch (GER 300) and in third place Haist, Olbrich, Postrach (GER 308). Good result of the Italians who placed 14th with the local ITA 243 (Tognozzi, Seri, Soffici).

"Great races! Perfect Soling weather in a classic Castiglione della Pescaia day?" commented Rose Hoeksema, President of the International Sailing Association and racer on USA 807. "The Soling is more than racing; we have families, husbands and wives, seasoned sailors, professionals and an age range that runs from 14 to 85. This is truly a class for everyone?"

Tomorrow the first start is scheduled for 12 p.m. In the evening the Club Velico Castiglione della Pescaia has organised dance party for all who are visiting the town and racing.

The Soling World Championship has been organised by the Club Velico Castiglione della Pescaia, in collaboration with the International Soling Association, the International Sailing Federation, the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and the committee Circoli Velici della Costa Etrusca.

The Race committee is chaired by Sandro Gherarducci, Councilman of the Italian National Sailing Federation (F.I.V.). The International Jury is formed by Tullio Girali, Italian; Kostas Tsantilis, Greek and Judge at the past Olympics in Athens; Christian Pupien, Belgian; Ilker Bayindir, Turkish; e Henri Peronneaut, French.

The event has the patronage and support of the Province of Grosseto and the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia. It has been made possible thanks to the contribution of Consorzio Albergatori Firenze Hotel de la Pace, SLAM, Banca della Maremma Credito Cooperativo di Grosseto, BMW Concessionaria Auto Fratelli Gori di Grosseto, Banfi, Ristorante Pierbacco, C.O.A.R.O, Scalambra Service, Casa Vacanze, Acot Castiglione della Pescaia, Studio Trend, La Gardenia Profumerie.