Exciting Third Stop of the European Match Race Circuit at Lake Iskar, Bulgaria
The third stop of the European Match Race Circuit has
come to an end in a spectacular location: Lake Iskar, Bulgaria. This lake,
located just 30 kilometers south of Sofia, is the largest in the country and,
interestingly, is an artificial reservoir. Created in 1949 to supply drinking
water to the capital and generate electricity, Lake Iskar has also become an
ideal getaway for those seeking tranquility, surrounded by mountains and
forests. With its 30 square kilometers of water and depths reaching up to 75
meters, it’s easy to imagine how beautiful this place is. Beyond being a
natural paradise, it has also become a perfect setting for large-scale events
like the match race.
For four days, from the 19th to the 22nd, ten teams from
various countries, including Bulgaria, England, France, and Spain, competed in
the challenging racecourse of Lake Iskar. The goal was clear: it wasn’t just
about winning this stop of the circuit, but also securing spots for the grand
finale of the European Match Race Circuit, which will take place in Naples,
Italy, from October 25th to 27th. The
lake’s conditions did not make things easy for either the
sailors or the organizing committee. The shifting winds, both in intensity and
direction, kept everyone on edge. However, this challenge also made the races a
fascinating spectacle for the hundreds of spectators who gathered along the
lake’s shores to enjoy the event.
Despite the weather complications, most of the program
went ahead as planned, except on the final day when the first semifinals had to
be canceled due to weather conditions. Even so, the thrilling competition known
as King of the Castle; took place, in which the teams that did not qualify for
the semifinals competed for the best placement among them.
This is where the Spanish team, **Cigarran Sailing Team**,
stood out. This young team, which has been showing constant improvement on the
European circuit, won the match and demonstrated great potential and growth in
the match race discipline.
The overall winner of this third stop was the French team
led by **Thimotte Polet**, a sailor who is not only an expert in match racing
but also in ocean sailing.
His preparation for the upcoming Jacques Vabre 2025 is
just one example of his talent and dedication. Polet and his team made no
mistakes throughout the competition, leaving no doubt that French match racing
remains a dominant force.
In second place was another French team, led by **Benoit
Dijoux**, which, despite a strong fight, couldn’t surpass Thimotte. In third
place was the English team led by **Cyrus Ledru**, which started with a lower
performance but improved with each match, making them a team to watch out for
in the Naples final.
The Greek team, led by veteran **Stavros Kouris**,
finished in fourth place but left a lasting impression by offering to conduct a
clinic at the club’s facilities, a proposal that was enthusiastically welcomed
by all attendees.
As for the Spanish **Cigarran Sailing Team**, they came
from the far west of Europe, specifically from the Real Club MarÃtimo de
Baiona, in Galicia. Sponsored by “Cigarran Abogado”, Lenda, Torre de Nuñez, and
supported by “Tierra y Mar Multiaventura” and “Deporte Galego”. Although they
finished in fifth place, they were just a step away from reaching their first
semifinals. Additionally, they won the “King of the Castle” competition,
reaffirming their excellent progression in this demanding European circuit. The
team experienced ups and downs: nerves got the best of them in the first match,
followed by excessive aggression in another, a third match with some
questionable refereeing decisions, and finally, a tactical error in the last
race cost them a spot in the semifinals. However, these details do not overshadow their overall performance, as they
continue to advance and find their place in match racing.
Not only did they come close to the semifinals and win
the King of the Castle title, but they also secured a spot in the Grand Final
of the Match Race in Naples, where the 12 best teams in Europe will compete
from October 24th to 28th. This achievement reflects the team’s commitment and
continuous improvement, as they keep growing in a discipline as technical and
demanding as match racing.
Before concluding this report, it’s important to
highlight the performance of the local Bulgarian team, led by **Samuel
Karadzhian**. Although they finished ninth in the first round, in the “King of
the Castle” competition, they eliminated opponents until they faced the Spanish
team, which blocked their path to the title.
Nevertheless, Samuel and his team were one of the
surprises of the championship, showing much better performance than expected
and putting experienced rivals in difficult situations.
With this exciting stop at Lake Iskar, the third stage of
the **Ultramarine Match Race European Circuit** comes to a close. Thanks should
be given to the organizing committee, led by **Yavor Kolev** and his team, who
managed to pull off such a complex event despite the challenging weather
conditions. Now, the teams are already thinking about the next stop, but above
all, the grand final that will take place in Naples, where the European
champion of this edition of the circuit will be crowned.
During the regatta, there was an important moment of
social awareness thanks to the joint initiative "Plastic Race" and
the "European Match Race" Volunteers, judges, sailors, organizers,
and city hall staff joined forces in a cleanup effort, collecting up to 2 tons
of plastic and waste. This activity not only highlighted the importance of the
competition but also the commitment to sustainability and environmental care.
**Conclusion:**
The **Cigarran Sailing Team** has shown they have what it
takes to compete at the highest level, but they are still in development. Their
evolution in the circuit has been remarkable, and there’s no doubt they’ll be
ready to give it their all in Naples. A true pride for sailing in Spain! The
organization is already thinking ahead to 2025.
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