4000 class Eurocup 2024 at Fraglia Vela Riva - Overall
by Citrus 13 Aug 14:11 BST
31 July - 3 August 2024
The 4000 class put on a spectacular show in the "land where lemons bloom," as Goethe called our Lake Garda. But we would dare say that besides lemons, beautiful summer days filled with wind, sun, and fun also flourish here.
These were indeed the conditions that the 4000 sailors found in Riva del Garda for the 2024 European Championship, with about thirty crews on the starting line from various countries: England, France, Italy, Bermuda, Scotland, and a few Swiss hidden under different sail numbers.
It was a demanding yet fun championship, balancing competition on the water with evenings at the Pub all'Oca (a reference for connoisseurs) or barbecues and music on the beach. Certainly, what all the sailors could appreciate firsthand was the tireless spirit of the Trentino race committees who, except for the first day, when races were in the afternoon with over 20 knots of Ora (the typical afternoon thermal wind of Lake Garda blowing from the south), issued the warning signal at 8:30 every morning. A not-so-welcome decision when the alarm clock started ringing at 7:00 every morning. However, once on the water, with the colors and light of the north wind, you forgot about it all, and let's face it, a championship with nine races with 15-20 knots of Peler (the morning wind of the lake) is definitely a championship that will remain in everyone's memories and in the beautiful shots of photographer Renato Tebaldi.
But let's get to the rankings! Because - drumroll please - the Italian crew Colombi-Larcher (ITA) was crowned 2024 European Champion, consolidating the Italian title won just a few days earlier. Patience-DeSilva (BER) follows in second place and Zambetti-Fecia di Cossato (ITA) in third.
Excellent performance by the Italian fleet, which fields 5 crews in the top ten, including two on the podium, demonstrating that the work of training, clinics, events, and races of recent years is paying off. Moreover, it should be emphasized that the Italians themselves were coming off three days of the National Championship in Limone del Garda, with very light wind conditions and only one day of rest.
But enough with the boring stuff, we interviewed the two crews from our fleet who conquered the podium. Let's hear what they have to say!
What were your expectations for this Championship?
Colombi - Larcher: I had no idea how it would go. The goal was to have fun knowing we had done what was necessary to have the same chances as everyone else. We wanted to try to do well, but we didn't have a clear idea of how we would do, especially since it was my first time as bow and my helmsman was also doing his first 4000.
Zambetti - Fecia di Cossato: Considering the little time Mattia and I were able to dedicate to the 4000 this season, I didn't have high expectations. I knew we would definitely be more comfortable in strong wind conditions, but I didn't think so much as to be able to fight for the podium.
What was the key to finishing first and third?
DL: Despite deciding at the last minute to participate in the Italian and European Championships, knowing I had little time for good preparation with my crewmate, I wanted to focus on the project by optimizing every detail to the best of our ability. Both in terms of boat preparation and defining a short but targeted training program with my helmsman in the days before. I would say the key was this targeted preparation and taking these two events with the right lightness and desire to have fun.
ZF: I think there are two possible readings. From a technical point of view, certainly the ability to consistently sail the boat faster than almost the entire fleet. Mentally, it was believing in it from the end of the first race of the first day, when we realized it was within our reach. (Helmsman) The key was to stay focused, without stress, and gradually grind out the points we needed. In other words: turn on the stone crusher. (Bowman)
What do you think of the fleet and the boat?
DL: The boat and the fleet are unique. The 4000 is a fun, simple, and solid boat. It deserves to grow further and especially to be made known across the board to both amateur and professional sailors. Without boring exclusions.
ZF: Beautiful, lively, fun. The boat is perfect for those who want to embrace the world of competition without going into the professionalism of Olympic dinghies. Solid, fun, fast, and easy to handle even in challenging conditions. The fleet, especially the Italian one, is now a certainty; you have a wonderful human relationship with almost everyone. The 4000 class is full of great sailors who know how to be great people (or maybe the opposite?). I'm only a little disappointed by the poor presence of foreign boats in such a beautiful event as the European Championship in the sailing playground that the northern Garda can be.
What's your funniest memory?
DL: When in the middle of competitive concentration between one race and the next, Fabio, who never says a word, tells me he will order the breaded cutlet with fries in the evening.
ZF: I don't know if it's right to call it funny, but the start in pin mure to the left in front of the entire fleet will definitely be remembered. (Helmsman) The catamaran run at full speed, slightly under lay, maximum jibing with little wind coming back that brought us perfectly to the buoy. (Bowman)
Your biggest regret?
DL: I would say none. Maybe the scuff on the second day of the European Championship that kept us on edge for the next two-thirds of the championship with a bad discard already spent. And then also not having shot right in the third race (if I'm not mistaken) of the Italian championship in Limone where the French and other boats - which I admit I underestimated a bit - really went around us.
ZF: The bad start and the 360 due to rightly discounting at the beginning of the 12th race that put us out of the running for the fight with Stew and Lenny for second place. Before the start of the last race we were equal on points. (Helmsman) Not having kept the gennaker on the finish line and losing 2 meters for first place in race 7 (bowman)
Next goal?
DL: I don't know. We'll see.
ZF: Improve in lighter wind, get on the top step of the podium and wave the Italian flag.
Thanks to all the participants and Fraglia Vela Riva for making this event an unforgettable championship and thanks to photographer Renato Tebaldi who immortalized it with hundreds of fantastic shots that will fill our homes and our screensavers for years to come. It was nice to have back in the fleet former 4000 sailors such as Duccio Colombi, Keri Harris and Martin Boyde and welcome onboard many young sailors who are joining the fleet, like Tommaso Rossi and Luca Isabella, Fabio Larcher, Carrie Boyde and many other.
New crews are arriving for the 4000 class which continues the zonal activity on Lake Como, in preparation for the Grand Finale of the season in Campione del Garda, scheduled for the last weekend of October. For collaborations with clubs and sports teams, to organize test events or simply to try or buy a 4000, contact us on social media @asso4000 (Instagram) or by email at .
Find full results here