Write-Up

Calasetta Open - LNI Sulcis, Calasetta, Sardinia, Italy, 7-9 July
Italian National Series Event #4

The Calasetta Open was round #4 of the Italian National Series and formed a fantastic warm up event for both sailors and organisers ready for the big one - the 5th RS Aero World and Youth World Championships in just two weeks time. A day of pre-event training was followed by 3 days racing.

Conditions ultimately provided an excellent variety over the 4 days with everything from 5-18kn, from flat water to the most splendid waves and all wind directions from NW, SW and SE as the Sirocco, Mistral and onshore breeze all fought for dominance. On the final day an onshore SWly of 14kn set in and that increased to around 16-18kn with waves that provided fantastic rides back down the run. The air was around 35'C under the blazing sunshine and the sea was pleasantly warm but refreshing.

Racing was hard fought with competitors all upping their game in readiness for the upcoming Worlds. The RS Aero 5s saw Francesca Ramazzotti (Veliamoci) in a comfortable win from Enrico Loi (Windsurfing Club Cagliari) and Sara Murru (LNI Sulcis).

In the RS Aero 6s Andrea De Matteis (YC Cala dei Sardi) dominated the lighter breezes to take the win from Roy van Maanen (Greystones, IRL) in 2nd and Giacomo Gatta (CN del Savio) in 3rd.

Local star Filippo Vincis (LNI Sulcis) and Peter Barton (Lymington, GBR) traded blows all weekend with tight racing and frequent place changing. Ultimately Peter took 1st in the RS Aero 7s after Sunday's fresh breeze and Filippo settled for 2nd after scoring a two OCSs. Guido Sirolli (Tongnazi MV) took 3rd with a consistent series.

We look forward to returning in two weeks to enjoy Calasetta on the island of Sant' Antioco again and more wonderful racing there with the whole Worlds fleet of 140 RS Aeros from 19 nations!

PHOTOS
Fantastic photos thanks to Michele Manconi
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