World Masters: Serious Fun and Serious Sailing

By Stefano Longhi.

The World Masters is an event that all those who like to race at high levels and have fun at the parties should take part in, at least once in a lifetime.

The atmosphere is very festive and relaxed, on the land. On the water the level of the competition is to be envied by other regattas that erroneously are considered the most difficult.

Talking with my friend Gweneth Crook, we agreed that for the World Masters our motto should be reversed: “Serious fun and serious sailing.”

The chosen location is very important for the success of the event, since the convivial side on land is so important. Spain and in particular Santiago de la Ribera is a true paradise for those who love sailing in sunny conditions and moderate wind, and it was the perfect choice.

The place is a seaside resort in an enclosed sea with beautiful beaches, but with the landscape ruined by typical buildings of speculation of the 70s and more recent years. The climate, however, amply rewards the loss of natural beauty, in addition to the usual Sapnish joy and hospitality.

Personally I knew the place well because it was where I sailed my first Snipe Worlds and where in March 2012 was held the third edition of the Nacional de Espana. The level of the organization and the hospitality of the club is really superb, and the sailors and families have wide space for boats, to eat, to relax in the bar after the races, on sun beds, under umbrellas, and in sea water pools.

But the thing that makes this regatta unique is the joyful atmosphere that you breathe, where sailors from around the world meet and meet again and are happy to be together, especially in the evening when the parties and dinners are the masters.

On the water, the starts are far from simple and the technical abilities of the teams are really high.

At a World Masters there are also many young people who are racing as crews of the “old skippers” and in fact in this Worlds ther were Jordy Triay, Dante Bianchi, Alvaro Martinez to name only the most famous young and capable of the class.

As mentioned above the level of the event was very high and only at the last beat of the last race, it was decided the title between two great sailors. Augie Diaz with Justine O’Connor as crew preceeded Damian Borras with “the body” Alejandro Fresneda.

Even for those who didn’t fight for the title the races were tough and challenging on a race course always very difficult to understand. That gave the possibility of large recoveries but also large losses.

The conditions were varied and beautiful with light wind races although always above 8 knots and a single race with the wind up to the Master’s limit.

Basically, I can say that the holiday and the regatta were beautiful and I recommend everyone to come and do it because it is a real party innside a real race.

I conclude by saying to all those who want to apply to host these regatta that it is necessary that the place ensures ideal weather conditions and that the parties and dinners must be organized in a big way. With this recipe, the race will surely be a success and will be remembered.

Snipe friends, see you soon on the race course!