Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M600

Matt Wearn wins opening race of ILCA European Championship in Andora, Italy

by Di Pearson / AST media 12 Mar 2023 20:42 PDT 12-17 March 2023
Matt Wearn - ILCA European Championships © Thom Touw Sailing Photographer

Australia's Matt Wearn, the reigning Olympic gold medallist in the ILCA 7 class, has won the opening race of the ILCA European Championships in the ILCA 7 (ex-Laser Men's) being held at Andora in Italy.

The ILCA 7 fleet numbers 192, so has been split into three, with Wearn sailing in the Blue fleet. Winner of the 2018 and 2019 Europeans, the West Australian sailor mastered the light, shifty winds and strong current that flummoxed so many others on a long Day 1.

Because of conditions, just the one race of the planned two was sailed. Wearn shares the lead with reigning ILCA 7 World Champion Jean-Baptiste Bernaz (FRA) from the Red fleet and 2020 World Champion Philipp Buhl (GER) from the Yellow fleet. As such, there is no second place and third places, so the scores jump from first, to fourth, to seventh to 10th places and so on.

"Andora is really turning on the light and lumpy conditions this week and Wearny will be really happy to get a good result out of day one," noted Australian Sailing Technical Director Michael Blackburn.

"Meanwhile, our ILCA 6 squad coped well with five somewhat frustrating hours on the water and are eager to get racing tomorrow. The start tomorrow has been delayed to 1300 to wait for the Italian sea breeze to gather some momentum."

Ethan McAullay is the next best placed Australian in seventh place, followed by Finn Alexander in 25th place.

There was no racing for the Women's ILCA 6 class, organisers forced to abandon for the day following the one ILCA 7 race. Organisers have planned for three races for both classes on Monday local time.

There are six Australians representing in the Australian Sailing Team (AST), Australian Sailing Squad (ASS) and Australian Sailing Futures (ASF) competing in the ILCA 7 class and four women in the ILCA 6.

Organised by Circolo Nautico Andora (CNA) and EurILCA, the ILCA Euorpeans conclude on Friday 17 March local time.

Australian Sailing Team (AST), Australian Sailing Squad (ASS) and Australian Sailing Futures (ASF) results and overall placings:

ILCA 7 (one race)

1st Matt Wearn (AST) - 1 (1 point)
7th Ethan McAullay (ASS) - 3 (3 points)
25th Finn Alexander (ASS) - 9 (9 points)
49th Luke Elliott (ASS) - 17 (17 points)
64th Zac Littlewood (ASS) - 22 (22 points)
153rd Stefan Elliott Shircore (ASF) - 52 (52 points)

ILCA 6 (no racing)

Zoe Thomson (AST)
Elyse Ainsworth (ASS)
Casey Imeneo (ASS)
Mara Stranksy (ASS)

For entry list and to follow the regatta, including full results, go to: 2023-senior.eurilca-europeans.org

Related Articles

Technohull introduces the new XPD 46
The first model in its new Expedition Series Few things can beat the sense of freedom that comes with knowing there are no boundaries to your cruising adventures. Posted on 26 Jun
From New York to the Hamptons
Pershing GTX80 takes on the Atlantic in the only way Pershing knows The skyscrapers of New York provided a spectacular backdrop for the arrival of Pershing GTX80 at the renowned North Cove Marina in Manhattan, in the beating heart of the Big Apple. Posted on 21 Jun
Aquila Power Catamarans announces all-new 46 Yacht
Bringing large yacht innovation to a more intimate package Aquila Power Catamarans is excited to announce the upcoming launch of the all-new Aquila 46 Yacht, arriving September 2025. Posted on 20 Jun
2025 Flotilla to Alaska Day 22
We've been visiting Kasaan on our own (and once with a small flotilla) since 2015 We departed the docks in Ketchikan by 6am, hoping for a nice smooth cruise across Clarence Strait (which isn't always guaranteed). Posted on 20 Jun
Project Velor
Rethinking the architecture of life at sea Nauta Design unveils a visionary 75-metre superyacht concept that blends elegant yet bold design and spatial innovation. Posted on 19 Jun
Vandal Marine unveils the Vandal 60
Designed in collaboration with prestigious superyacht designers RWD Vandal Marine announced today the launch of its new Vandal 60 Chase, a foil-assisted power catamaran designed in collaboration with prestigious superyacht designers RWD. Posted on 17 Jun
Palm Beach Motor Yachts acquires Casey's Marina
This landmark waterfront destination will set a new standard in Newport, Rhode Island To be renamed Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts Marina, this landmark waterfront destination will set a new standard for owner experiences and premium service in America's sailing capital. Posted on 17 Jun
Maritimo M50 Flybridge & S60 Sedan Video
We speak to Maritimo's Neil McCabe & Phil Candler We talked to Neil McCabe, Maritimo's Design Office Manager, and Phil Candler, Maritimo's General Manager Operations, to find out more about the M50 Flybridge and S60 Sedan during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Posted on 17 Jun
Rayglass launches 'R Edition' Protector Range
A bold evolution of its iconic high-performance RIBs Rayglass Boats, a brand of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), has unveiled the all-new Protector R Edition range, a bold evolution of its iconic high-performance RIBs. Posted on 16 Jun
Picnic days to grand adventures on a Talaria 43
Six grandchildren, endless memories, and a Talaria 43 built for the journey ahead Two-time Hinckley owners share their favorite destinations, the boating tricks they've picked up through the years, and where they're headed next. Posted on 15 Jun
Maritimo M50Palm Beach Motor Yachts