| 1st Day of the 15th Easter Regatta
Vodice, 14 April 2011
The fifteenth consecutive Easter Regatta started in the best possible way. After three years in Hvar, the regatta is back in Vodice where 35 crews had the opportunity to compete in ideal sailing conditions. Three races were held with moderate mistral and everybody enjoyed them, primarily the most successful crews on the first competition day. After three races, the Czech Bohemia Express with Richard Vojta as the helmsman was far ahead in the regatta boat group, and the only real threat to Bohemia was Karlo Kuret with his All 4 One boat. Krešimir Đakulović on Mareus demonstrated some good sailing, while Damir Desabotto was the surprise of the day on Ladies First with two second places in his group. Just like the Bohemia in the regatta group, Vola Vola's crew dominated in the Open group, followed by Split's Polet (N. Dešković). All present yachtsmen enjoyed today's sailing, including the new president of the Croatian Sailing Federation Marijan Hanžeković aboard Croatel, with the former mayor of Split Ivan Kuret at the helm. This excellent day at sea ended with a pleasant onshore reception organized by PBZ Leasing. The competition continues tomorrow with navigation sailing around the Šibenik archipelago, while Saturday is the decisive sailing day, when we will know the winners that will share 200,000 HRK of prize money.
The Easter Regatta has the greatest media coverage and is competitively the strongest international multiday regatta in Croatia. The competitors also recognized this nice anniversary and gladly returned the sea around Šibenik. In addition, the Easter Regatta is the last true test for the yachtsmen before the ORC World Championship to be held in Cres in June, so the large number of excellently prepared crews is not surprising. The three-day regatta was opened by the director of PBZ Leasing Petar Paštrović and the main candidates for victory are Krešimir Đakulović, Karlo Kuret, Richard Vojta and Peter Mosny. On the occasion of its anniversary, the 15th Easter Regatta brings come novelties because the organizers, as their gift to the competitors, terminated the registration fee, provided free mooring for the yachts in the city port, and organized daily refreshments after sailing on the Vodice waterfront, where good fun with a "taste of salt" has always been guaranteed. The ANA Yacht Club of Bakar is the sport organizer of the Easter Regatta, the Croatian Sailing Federation is competent, while PBZ Leasing is the principal organizer.
