After four days of sailing and ten races on the course south of Čiovo, the Croatian Championship in the Optimist class fleet racing has come to an end. The organizer, Sailing Club Split, once again demonstrated its extensive experience in hosting large competitive fleets – both on the water and on shore.
A total of 158 young sailors from 29 clubs took part in the national championship. The first two days featured six qualifying races, while Saturday and Sunday were reserved for the final races of the gold and silver fleets. A steady mistral accompanied the sailors during most of the championship, while the final day posed a challenge for the race committee, led by national judge Josip Jospić. Only one race was completed in light winds of 5–8 knots, but the championship was successfully concluded with a total of ten races.
The title of Croatian Champion went to Juraj Lencović from JK Galeb Kostrena. His clubmate Matteo Matković secured silver, while Maro Uroda from JK Tijat Vodice took bronze. In the girls’ competition, the champion is Vita Erceg from JK Optimist, second place went to Rita Lukarić from JD Val, and third place was taken by Vita Marinović from JK Labud. In the under-12 category, gold was won by Jure Carević from JK Split, who recently earned bronze at the national U12 championship.
For JK Split, this championship is not the end but rather the introduction to the Month of Sailing and the Sea, during which the club celebrates 75 years of successful activity. Next on the program is the iconic KUKA keelboat regatta, celebrating its 18th edition this year. The event combines sport and social gathering – alongside competitive sailing in the Kaštela Bay, the organizers traditionally host an excellent party in the club’s hangar. Registrations for KUKA are open until Wednesday at the following link.Full results of the Croatian Optimist Championship can be found on the official regatta website.