TheDAY 1 IN CROATIA: FROM STANDBY TO START LINE
First competition day began with anticipation and uncertainty.
Over 80 athletes from 11 nations were on standby after the official briefing, as unstable weather loomed clouds, shifting winds, and nearby storms kept the racers waiting.
As the afternoon progressed, the wind returned, the rain cleared, and the sun broke through. With conditions improving to around 15–17 knots, racing was finally underway. While the Youth Men had to re-sail their first two heats due to a course reset, minor adjustments helped get the Slalom Fin action rolling. Wind conditions remained tricky, later dropping to 14–16 knots, but with sunlight still strong, the Race Committee pushed forward to maximize the day. Foil racers remained on hold, and later being released without racing.
Early Highlights:
Youth Men: Defending Champion Sacha Fortune (FRA-655) took a commanding early lead with sharp starts and clean jibes, edging out strong challengers in tight, action-packed heats.
Youth Women: It’s an all-French affair with Tess Sermet (FRA-747) claiming the first victory, while Charlotte Philipe (FRA-1194) the current event leader after 2 races, showed impressive speed, setting up an exciting rivalry.
Masters: A smaller fleet made for a friendly yet competitive showdown — with some late withdrawals, the title race is now wide open.
1 Elimination for Youth Men has been completed including 2 races each for Youth Women and Masters. Junior Boys started their heats, but during the Junior Girls’ race, the wind dropped, and racing was called off for the day.
Despite the slow start and shifting weather, Day 1 delivered action, surprises, and great performances. With promising forecasts ahead, both fin and foil fleets are expected to shine in the coming days here in Viganj.
—– END DAY 1
—– START DAY 2
DAY 2 IN CROATIA: A WAITING GAME
A long day of waiting with high hopes, but the wind never played along.
Despite signs of improvement, the direction remained too unstable, shifting constantly and making racing impossible.
Postponement after postponement kept the athletes on standby until the final call at 16:00, when the day was officially called off.
No races completed on Day 2 at the 2025 IFCA JYM Fin & Foil Slalom Europeans here in Viganj. Fingers crossed for better conditions tomorrow!
—– END REPORT
Image Gallery: LINK
Free for use (Credits Alessandro Giovanelli | Courtesy of IFCA)
Video Day 1: LINK
