Racing last year at the ACI Match Race Cup in Split. Image copyright Ante Verzotti.
by Irena Bistričić
This year, again, the race area beneath Sustipan will host the traditional ACI Match Race Cup. The 22nd edition of the event will take place from 16th to 20th September. Match race fans will have the opportunity to enjoy first-rate sailing by some already well known names, along with a few newcomers eager to prove themselves.
Ten crews will compete for the title, among which Croatia, with three teams led by Tomislav Bašić, Dario Kliba and Frane Barbieri, will try to attain the best score. As far as other competitors are concerned, four of them are ranked among the ISAF top ten – the Italian Paolo Cian as third, the French Sebastien Col as fourth, Australian Torvar Mirsky seventh, and New Zealand’s Adam Minoprio number eight. This year's newcomers are young Sergey Musikhin who represents Russia, and Prezmek Tarnacki from Poland. Of course, the legend of match racing Bertrand Pacé will also take part in the competition.
New sails, renovated boats, top grade sailors as well as favourable weather conditions promise a spectacular sea struggle.
The first skippers’ meeting has been held, and the teams have set out to the sea for their first practice training. In the meanwhile, everything is getting ready for the opening ceremony of the ACI Match Race Cup, which will be held at 8.30 pm on Split's Riva.
The programme will begin with the procession of drums starting from Marmont street trough Riva heading to the main stage which is located at Saint Nikola’s dock. The ceremony is imagined as a combination of tradition and sports which is common for the city of Split.
The plot of the show is based on specific stories that are familiar in the city and reflect its history as well as the future. The story itself is provoked by the strong emotions intertwined trough happiness and sorrow. In the opening ceremony, along with the singers, dance groups, and other entertainers, the skippers themselves will also have a special role.
ACI Match Race Cup 2008
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