PUNTALDIA, Italy, September 25th, 2023. The enchanting scenario of Puntaldia, Sardinia, witnessed an exhilarating showcase of sailing excellence during the first ever Eurosaf 69F European Championship. Over three magnificent days, this Italian coastal gem emerged as a sailing paradise, hosting a championship that not only celebrated the sport but also crowned its very first European Champions.
The event unfolded in splendid fashion with a warm opening party, and it went on challenging sailors with a diverse array of weather conditions. From the tempestuous Mistral to the southern breeze, competitors had to find their way through the elements. At the heart of this thrilling competition was the 69F, a unique one-design, foiling monohull for crews that has carved a special niche in the world of sailing. Known for its agility and exhilarating speed, the 69F boat provided the perfect mean for the sailors to display their skill and expertise.
The final day of this gripping championship dawned with a relatively serene North-Westerly breeze. However, it concluded with a crescendo of power, as a commanding Northerly wind swept in, accompanied by chops, providing an exhilarating climax to this historic event.
Fin1Racing clinched the coveted title of European Champions after 16 intense races. The stellar trio comprising Allan Norregaard, Janne Jarvinen, and Iago Lopez delivered a performance that left an indelible mark on the event’s history. Their journey to the pinnacle of the podium embodied the essence of sportsmanship, dedication, and hard work.
“It was hard to emerge as the best of the fleet with almost six races per day with very different conditions, we appreciated the decision of the Committee to cancel two races on the windiest day, with puffs of 25 knots. It was really tight until the end, we had a big nice fight with Katana, Antigua Rum Runners and Groupe Atlantic, it was good, we struggled at times with the wind, but we are super happy, a great end of the season, see you in Barcelona!”, commented Iago Lopez.
Read more on event page!