2nd International Torbole Spring Cup at Circolo Vela Torbole - Preview
by Elena Giolai 11 May 2022 16:23 BST
12-15 May 2022
M32 European Series at Fraglia Vela Riva © Elena Giolai
Over 500 entrants, 28 nations, seven of which from outside Europe: these are the record numbers for the return of the EurILCA Europa Cup, 2nd International Torbole Spring Cup, a sailing event for both junior (ILCA 4 and ILCA 6) and Olympic (ILCA 6 F and ILCA 7 M (formerly Laser), organised by Circolo Vela Torbole in collaboration with Circolo Vela Arco, the Garda Trentino Vela Consortium and the Italian Sailing Federation.
- Timeless ILCA with record participation of over 500 entries from 28 nations.
- At Fraglia Vela Riva the M32 catamarans
- Thursday, 12 May the 2nd International Torbole Spring Cup Europe Cup begins with big numbers
- From Friday 13 May the fast M32s will put on a show at Riva del Garda
In 2021, Circolo Vela Torbole inaugurated its own new regatta, the 'International Torbole Spring Cup', which this year coincides with the fourth stage of the Ilca European Circuit and is therefore officially valid for scoring points for the overall ranking of the 2022 Europa Cup Trophy.
Four days of racing (from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th), two races a day, two race courses positioned with electric buoys with GPS virtual anchorage, two FIV Race Committees, many volunteers and workers both on the water and ashore at the disposal of the approximately 530 racers divided into Ilca 4, Ilca 6 and Ilca 7 classes.
In the class divisions, the presence of very young racers stands out, as for example among the Ilca 4 (former Laser 4.7) the under 16s outnumber the under 18s (136 against 114).
But in the Olympic Ilca 7, in addition to the under-19 and under-21s (31 in all out of 58) there is no shortage of legends of the sport, such as Robert Scheidt, a member of the Circolo Vela Torbole, who after participating in no fewer than seven Olympics and winning five 5-ring medals, is still on Garda Trentino training and racing as in this Europa Cup, with the passion of his early days.
Despite the fact that it is increasingly the time of the foil generation, in which between windsurfing and sailing the trend is more and more towards high speed and foil, the technical and demanding Ilca class continues to have a large following, training young people in technique, tactics and sacrifice.
There is therefore great excitement in Torbole and also at Circolo Vela Arco, a club that offers its ample spaces for better logistics. On Thursday the first start is scheduled at 12:30.
From Friday, 13 May instead, in Riva del Garda, at the Fraglia Vela Riva, it will be the M32 catamarans that will be pulverising the water during their very fast, concise and very short races (approx. 15'-20' each). This is a completely different kind of sailing from the Ilca regatta in Torbole, but one that involves many professional teams, who find the Fraglia Vela Riva the perfect location for preparing the boats, which then, under the rocks of the Ponale, tack at exceptional speeds.