(Potrerillos, Mendoza - Argentina)- After two simply spectacular days of sailing in unbeatable weather, the twenty J/24 teams from across Argentina could go home with big smiles on their faces after sailing nine races for the Campeonato del Oeste (the Western Championships). Adding to the sailor's big grins may have been plenty of amazing Malbec wine from some of the famous vineyards in the region. Sailors take note- Lago Potrerillos is the site of the 2021 J/24 World Championship in July!
For this year, there was lots of glacier-fed icy-blue water in the lake (a damned-up reservoir) and plenty of wind. Like many mountain lakes, Lago Potrerillos enjoy "adiabatic winds", so morning "downslope" winds die off and, punctually at noon, the winds come roaring in from the southwest ta 15 knots and gradually increases to 18-20 kts every afternoon...at least that's what the local Chamber of Commerce claims! However, the weather really was that good for this past weekend- sunny skies, wind burn, and plenty of wine! If you do not believe them, just ask any one of the three USA J/24 sailors that took part in this year's event- Tony Parker, Barbra Gold or Steve Lopez.
After warming-up on the first day with all top five finishes, Miguel Pereira's team on CARRERA (Delgado, Gerra, & Scarpatti) managed to close the last four races with straight bullets to win the regatta in convincing fashion. The balance of the podium saw a closely-fought three-way battle between CACIQUE, MORRUCHO and RINA. In the end, it was Ezekiel Despontin's CACIQUE that took the silver with crew of Novillo, Borgstrom, & Homps. Third just two points back was Sebastien Halpern's MORRUCHO with crew of S. Despontin, Miralles & P. Despontin. Rounding out the top five was Nicolas Cubria's RINA in fourth and Tomas Agusti's CAMBURY in fifth place. For more Argentina J/24 Campeonato del Oeste sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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