[Source: Esimit Europa] What a race for the Esimit Sailing Team at the 44th edition of the world renowned Barcolana. Starting the race along with more than 1700 other yachts in the heart of Trieste was, as always, a huge challenge for all the crews, but Esimit Europa 2’s helmsman Alberto Bolzan proved his rich experience sailing at the Barcolana, one of the largest regattas in the world. Esimit Europa 2 immediately took the lead and finished the 16.5 nautical mile long course in 3 hours and 59 minutes, facing winds just up to 5 knots. By that, the European sports team accomplished a hat-trick, as Esimit Europa 2 established the course record in 2010 (56:13), won also in 2011 in front of thousands of spectators at a true sailing festival in the heart of Trieste and took line honours at this year’s edition of the race as well.
The Esimit Europa project started in 1995 in Trieste, therefore the Barcolana regatta is always a special regatta for project’s founder Igor Simčič. “I’m really proud of the whole team. For me it’s incredible to see, what evolved out of the vision that started to become reality 17 years ago, right here in Trieste. Seeing Esimit Europa 2 win at one of the largest regattas in the world, with a unique team of sailors onboard coming from 8 different nations, in front of thousands of spectators, gives a fantastic feeling. I would like to thank everyone for their support,” stressed Igor Simčič.
Esimit Europa takes line honors at the 2012 Barcolana. Trieste, 14 October 2012. Photo copyright Carlo Borlenghi
“Being at the starting line together with so many yachts is a unique spectacle, but also a huge challenge for the whole team. We have faced lack of the wind and occasional dead calms, therefore we had to constantly change sails and chose appropriate tactics. The Esimit Sailing Team did a great job and proved again their experience and exceptional teamwork. We spent the last days training in the Gulf of Trieste and prepared different tactics, which paid off very well. I’m very satisfied with the performance of the team as well of the condition of the yacht and I’m looking forward to set our sails towards Valletta,” said Jochen Schümann, skipper of Esimit Europa 2.
Only a couple of hours after finishing the race at the Barcolana, the Esimit Sailing Team will sail to Valletta, aiming to establish the record for the passage between Trieste and Valletta, recognized by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. Future monohulls, which will break the established record in the period between Barcolana and Rolex Middle Sea Race, will be awarded with the very special Medot Sailing Trophy, which has been presented at the Esimit Europa Gala in Trieste.
Esimit Europa takes line honors at the 2012 Barcolana. Trieste, 14 October 2012. Photo copyright Carlo Borlenghi