2024 South American Championship at Buenos Aires, Argentina - Overall
by ISCYRA 23 Nov 15:40 PST
November 20-23, 2024
Three days of excellent conditions and impeccable organization by Club Náutico Olivos made for an unforgettable championship in Buenos Aires.
The 2024 Star South American Championship wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Club Náutico Olivos, with Paul Cayard (USA) and Pedro Trouche (BRA) claiming the title after three days of exhilarating and closely contested racing. The duo demonstrated their mastery of the challenging conditions and finished the championship with a well-deserved victory.
Coming in second were Lucas and Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG), who consistently delivered impressive performances throughout the regatta. Third place was secured by Fabian Mac Gowan and Nicolas Rosas (ARG), rounding off an excellent podium for the event.
Consistent Conditions Deliver Tight Racing
The final day of racing continued with the same steady wind conditions as previous days—16-20 knots from the same direction and accompanied by a steady current. These consistent conditions set the stage for another round of tight, tactical racing that thrilled competitors and spectators alike.
Club Náutico Olivos once again proved to be an outstanding host, offering world-class race management and warm hospitality. The Argentinian Star Class continues to impress with its efforts to grow the class and develop young sailing talent. Their commitment and passion for the sport ensured another successful championship, building on Argentina's strong tradition in the Star fleet.
International Competition Highlights
The championship also highlighted the international appeal of the Star Class, with teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, and the USA joining a strong Argentine contingent. Among the notable international competitors were Dani Fritz (GER), an Under 30 sailor, and Giovanni Coppo (ITA) with crew Frithjof Kleen (GER). Coppo and Kleen showed great potential, frequently rounding the top mark in the top three positions. However, downwind challenges with their new boat revealed areas for improvement as they look ahead to future events.
A Bright Future for the Star Class
The 2024 Star South American Championship showcased not only the enduring appeal of this classic racing class but also the efforts of the Argentinian fleet to expand participation and develop the next generation of sailors. With a mix of seasoned champions like Paul Cayard and promising young talent, the event was a testament to the strength and vitality of the Star Class.
"We just finished the South American Championship 2024 here at the Yacht Club Olivos", commented Paul Cayard, President of the International Star Class and newly crowned 2024 Star South American Champion. "Buenos Aires is a windy venue, you need a lot of power to beat the Altolaguirre brothers who are a very good local team, and we managed to do it. Pedro is obviously a strong young guy and I'm so grateful to him for crewing for me. The Argentinian fleet is very strong, we had over 30 boats with a lot of young people, they have Alberto Zanetti as a godfather, who's helping grow the fleet and building new boats for them. Star sailing is alive and well in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I'm very happy I came down to see this and the whole Class can be happy about the quality of the sailing down here".
Overall Results: (top three)
1. Paul Cayard (USA) / Pedro Trouche (BRA)
2. Lucas Altolaguirre / Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG)
3. Fabian Mac Gowan / Nicolas Rosas (ARG)
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