ORC Sportboat European Championship 2016

Andrea Cavagnis and his all-Italian team on the FAT 26 Mind the Gap claimed overall victory in the 2016 ORC Sportboat European Championship, held May 26-29 in Chioggia, Italy. Mind the Gap team dominated the fleet of 40 boats from six countries, winning every race but one.

Hosted by Portodimare and sanctioned by the Offshore Racing Congress, this event featured four days of racing in winds that varied from light to moderate, and in 8 windward-leeward courses and one 22-mile coastal race, the

Local-based pro sailor Enrico Zennaro was tactician on Mind the Gap, and said “This will be a memorable championship for both the city of Chioggia and for all the sailors who participated. For us it will also be unforgettable because winning with so much margin does not happen every day, especially against such an excellent level of opponents. Our crew proved flawless throughout the week and the choices that we made with the new sails and the preparation of the boat proved to be a winning choice.”

Melges 24 Arkonoe skippered by Sergio Caramel

The top Corinthian finisher in the fleet was 8th placed Arkonoe, a Melges 24 skippered by Sergio Caramel. “Apart from today where we had to take an OCS, we have always raced well this week,” said Caramel. “It ‘s our most important achievement to date because the oldest crew on board is 21 years old.”

“This class is a fleet with huge potential, on which we must work with our ORC member associations and boat owners to build a stronger and stronger class,” said Bruno Finzi, Chairman of ORC. “Already we have technical discussions underway on re-defining the Sportboat class to make it more relevant for the modern sportboat fleet of new designs. This is a priority for ORC development, so we call on feedback and support to help us build a strong class in order to have more exciting Sportboat class events in the future.”

Even details – Overall results – Facebook – Photos