The second edition of the Optimist Gold Cup gathered in Yacht Club Monfalcone  (Home of Hannibal) more than 180 sailors from all over the world - Italy, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Slovenia, Croatia, and Turkey with some of the athletes coming directly from the Optimist World Championship. During the regatta, participants were challenged with all kinds of conditions- starting from the famous strong Bora wind, typical in this area, to the very light and even no wind conditions.  

After 5 difficult races we are proud to see the real CD Girls Power ruling the podium of both categories:

Juniores: Olha Lubianska (2nd place overall, 1st place females)

U12: Ahnieshka Madonich( 3rd place overall, 1st place females)

The highest grade on the  podium in Juniores group  takes Giuseppe Montesano (Club Nautico Sirena)  whereas  in cadets croup  the Gold  medal goes to Nicola Di Pilla (Lni Pescara) with  5 first  positions  in  all 5 races .  

All 3 days were full of emotions not only on the sea but also on the shore. Saturday evening everyone had a unique chance to meet and ask the secrets, sailing tips and tricks to Vasco Vascotto - Italian sailor who has won 25 World Championships titles and Marco Gradoni - a unique athlete that holds 3 Optimist World Champion Titles.  'It's  not the  necessary to  become champions, but  surely  each of you has this opportunity! Never  give up, even in the most difficult  moments, because  every bad day  is an opportunity to learn and improve. Bad days and bad races  are when you  really  get the most important lessons. To win you have to  work hard and if it will not help you to become a champion, it will definitely  help you become a better person' ,  Says  Vasco Vascotto.   'It is important that you enjoy what you do  but also put all your  willfulness and effort   to challenge yourself because the small results you reach every day are the ones that help to  improve', Adds Marco Gradoni  who is a great example  for Optimist sailing community showing that  if you work hard and love what you do, you can reach your dreams. Ex optisailor is  now  dedicating his efforts  to reach the  results in Olympic classes and  is one of the young talents under Luna Rossa team radar. 

Another  moment full  of   emotions was a big  lottery which is already a tradition of  the Optimist Gold Cup with a  chance to win  plenty of  great prizes. The most desirable  undoubtedly was  a new boat from  Exoboat (Bronze medal winner  in Optimist  World Championship 2022).  Another lucky Optimists got  sets of  Giulietti - One Design Rigs  with mast , boom and sprit adapted to the sailor's  size  (Silver medal winner  in Optimist  World Championship),  CD sails (Bronze medal winner  in Optimist  World Championship 2022)  and other surprises.  Every day participants were   welcomed with breakfast, pocket  lunch, fresh fruits and pasta  party  with support of Marina of Monfalcone and Monfalcone City.

Monfalcone is not only a CD Sails home, but a place with rich sailing traditions through all the times. We are proud to be part of this event and contribute to growing the Optimist sailing traditions in this area.

 

Thank you all and see you next year in July in  Optimist Gold Cup 2023!