A record 15 crews from Croatia and Slovenia, great sailing in a strong storm and the victory of the Universitas Nova crew marked the CRO Melges 24 Cup regatta in Opatija
This weekend, ACI marina Opatija in cooperation with Yacht Club Croatia hosted the last in a series of CRO Melges 24 Cup regattas, currently the strongest and most competitive sailing series in Croatia. Known as the “Croatian Champions League”, this cup in Opatija gathered a record 15 crews from Croatia and Slovenia who competed in the most demanding conditions due to the strong bora. The crew “Universitas Nova”, led by former Olympian and ACI Sail project manager Ivan Kljaković Gašpić, proved to be the most skilled.
The queen of the Kvarner bora
The first day of the regatta was absolutely marked by the crew of Universitas Nova, which took the title of queen of the Kvarner bora with three victories. This excellent team consisted of students of the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split Mia Kljaković Gašpić, Marin Golem, Šime Markić and Filip Miroić, and their energy was perfectly complemented by the experience of former Olympian Ivan Kljaković Gašpić, who did not hide his satisfaction with conditions, performance and great competition. “We enjoyed all aspects of this regatta, from the competition, through the atmosphere to the organization. We had excellent conditions at sea in Opatija, this bora was a real test of all our sailing knowledge and crew readiness, and we are especially happy because this is our first overall victory in the Cro Melges series, “he said.
Best of the best
The Croatian Sailing League brings together the best of the best in Croatian sailing, and the former Croatian Olympians have joined the impressive list of top sailors in Opatija. “We enjoyed fighting with the best Croatian sailors under such demanding conditions. We are especially proud of the victory in the fourth race, where we fought with Ivan Kljaković Gašpić until the very end. The real test of our possibilities will be the regatta in Rovinj in international competition ‘, said Mataran 24 member Ivo Matić.
We are also looking forward to the continuation of the CRO Melges 24 Cup, which we will host from April 1st to 3rd in the ACI marina Rovinj. Moreover, the first competition of the European Melges 24 sailing series is coming to Rovinj, which means that a really exciting weekend and a real sailing treat awaits us.
See you in Rovinj!
Photos by: www.regate.com.hr
