J-80 UK Class Association

The Spanish flags were flying high this weekend as Spanish boats took the top four positions in the J/80 European Championship in Malcesine, Lake Garda last week.

 

Around 50 boats from France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Poland, Estonia, Holland and Germany made the journey to Fraglia Vela Malcesine in Lake Garda to take part in this prestigious event. The competition was hot with last year’s World Championship winners Mustang taking part, as well as many other boats who already have made a name for themselves on the international circuit. Four days of racing took place with wind throughout a little lighter than can usually be expected in Lake Garda, at around 10-15 knots. But the sun shone every day and excellent sailing conditions prevailed. 

 

 

The winners, from boat Paraleja Golf won by just one point, proving just how close the racing was. The winning team members, Chench Ortega, Juanma Barrionvenva, Eugenio Pedreno and helm Carlos Martinez from Murcia (Mar Menor) in South East Spain have been sailing together for 3 years and took an impressive three 1st places during the Championship.

 

 Martinez said, “Of course we came here to win, but to be honest we didn’t really expect to. We knew how tough the competition was going to be and so were realistic that it would not be easy. Although we came 3rd in the World’s in Santander in 2009 and again in Keel in 2008, this is our first win on the international circuit and so makes it extra special for all of us. We are very happy!”

 

Second was boat Mustang helmed by Luis Martinez. This boat is used to being in the first few places at an international level and sail with a 13 year old crew member who is by far the youngest sailor in the competition. Mustang are 2009 World Champions and once again here in Lake Garda displayed some brilliant tactics and sailing skill.

 

Third was another Spanish boat Nextel Engineering helmed by Rodr Camino from Santander. And fourth yet another Spanish boat, ECC Viviendos helmed by Jose Maria Turcida. The Spanish monopolised this competition from the outset proving time and time again, to be the leaders of the international J/80 fleet.

 

The next country in the lead, was Great Britain with Team Baltic helmed by Henry Bomby taking fifth position with consistently good results throughout the week. This young team from the Royal Dart Yacht Club are relatively new to the J/80 scene and have proved themselves to be a team to watch out for in the future.

 

In sixth position was the French boat Atlantis helmed by Laurent Sambron, and in seventh, was the Italian boat OLJ Spirit, helmed by Federico Rajola. Another Spanish boat Crocs helmed by Javier Aguado took 8th position and two more French boats took 9th (Luc Nadal’s Geodis) and 10th (Patrick Bot’s Ecole Navale CG29).

 

And so the Spanish dominated with five boats in the top ten places, the French three, and Great Britain and Italy one each. This year’s Italian Champions, team Jeniale! came in eleventh.

 

Today our superb hosts at Fraglia Vela Malcesine can have a well earned rest as nearly all the 50 odd boats have been hauled out of the water in less than 24 hours, and the crews and their trailers are already heading home. The J/80 sailors will meet again in October for the World Championship in Newport, USA. As we wrap up this J/80 European Championship, we wish the new winners Martinez and his crew a very warm congratulations!