Winners: Mads Ebler and crew (DEN). Image copyright Slovenia Match Race Cup.
by Slovenia Match Race Cup media
On the third and final day of SMRC 2011 there was again no shortage of wind on the race area, only the direction shifted from southerly to NE Bora wind. »After getting soaked by the morning showers, we were all determined to put in the final effort. Maybe a bit down on weight for this wind-strength we gave it our best and are very happy to finish fourth overall. For me this event was a great experience, much need in the women's match race circuit where we compete through the year. Having such an event at home priceless, « said the loser of petit final Vesna Dekleva Paoli that competed with a first time together team Rok Košir, Marko Štanta in Matija Čok.
There was a grin on the face of Jure Orel as well, despite finishing on the last step of the podium after being for a longer period out of match racing. »I'm completely satisfied both from competitive and organizing point of view. We enjoyed the sailing and our result exceeded expectations for this issue of SMRC. The fight for third in petit final against Vesna was a real treat. Her match racing skills have vastly improved since last year and I wish her all the best in Perth (Australia) to succeed in qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games. As an organizer I can only say we were lucky to have great wind conditions, umpires and race committee and wonderful competitors, so getting the whole program through was easy.« Jure had his faithful organization team by his side on shore and the team of Aleš Božnik, Karlo Hmeljak and Jaro Furlani on his sailboat.
Match racing. Image copyright Slovenia Match Race Cup.
A real treat for spectators having a close up view of racing from Koper's main pier were the grand final matches between European Champion Mads Ebler and three times SMRC champion Ian Ainsle. Ebler took advantage of lighter conditions to get a 2:0 lead, but as Bora wind grew stronger, 40 kilos heavier Ainslie's team won the third and fourth match to even the score at 2:2. »Honestly we had some panic on board. Each time the boats came together Ian was faster. It was obvious we needed a perfect start in the last mach to have any chance of winning the final. We managed to cool down, make a tactical plan and stick to it till the end, « is how the excited Danish skipper explained their winning strategy.
Ebler is determined to come back next year to make it two in a row. He and his team are planning a series or 'practice' regattas culminating at the European Championships in Finland, where they will defend their last year's title. Let's hope Ian brings his crew to Koper next year too, to see who can get the most wins at SMRC.
Results
1. Mads EBLER
2. Ian AINSLIE
3. Jure OREL
4. Vesna DEKLEVA
5. Dejan PRESEN
6. Nicolai SEHESTED
7. Szymon SZYMIK
8. Peter NICHOLAS
Slovenia Match Race Cup (Grade 2)
