Palamós Optimist Trophy 2024 - Day 3
by Jaume Soler 18 Feb 2024 06:18 UTC
34th Palamós Optimist Trophy © Alfred Farré
Two races have been enough to consolidate the Spaniards Joan Domingo and Iker Múgica, both from CN Cambrils, in the first and second positions respectively, heading into the final day of the 38th International Vila del Palamós Optimist Trophy. Also in the title race is the Dutch sailor Maurits Melens.
The two sailors from Tarragona are separated by just one point, making it practically a technical tie. Domingo is sailing without errors, with a first and an eighth place - the latter being discardable - which propel him to the top in Palamós. Meanwhile, Múgica, also arriving as one of the top contenders, has proven himself by winning the last race. However, a 55th place in the first race of the day leaves him no room for further mistakes if he wants to aim not only for the title but also for the podium. Melens, on the other hand, has been climbing positions and after securing a third place, he sits in this position nine points behind the leader.
Outside the podium positions, we find Juan Lleonart (CN El Balís) and Pepe García Grandille (RCN Barcelona), who still have something to say in Palamós with three races remaining, taking fourth and fifth positions respectively.
European bronze medalist Mateo Carbonell (CN Jávea) is seventh overall, one place behind the French sailor Matthias Krauss, who is in sixth place with two points less than the sailor from Alicante.
Ukrainian sailor Olha Lubianska (Obolon Sailing Club) is eighth overall and the leading female sailor, temporarily displacing Balearic sailor Amalia Coll (CN S'Arenal), who has dropped to eleventh place.
The former leader until yesterday, Oriol Costabella (RCN Barcelona), had his worst day with a 44th and 47th place, leaving him in fifteenth position with no chance of a podium finish.
The wind was from the northwest at 10 to 15 knots intensity; for tomorrow, Sunday, the forecast predicts a light southwest wind.
Full results available here.