April 23, 2018 - Attracting more than 50 sailing boats in two racing fields, the 12th edition of the Tivat Regatta UNA Montenegro Cup 2018 overcame all expectations, turning the sailing competition into a great festival of the sea, wind and white sails. One of the YC Delfin veterans announced that this was the best regatta ever since the club was founded 70 years ago. For the SY Favorit crew led by skipper Maksim Nemchenko, it was an even better experience as they set the new regatta record - 1h 51min 22 sec!
“The weather conditions were great, and it was as if we ordered the wind. With the sun, the south wind of 15-20 knots, and small waves, it was a perfect day!” says Robert Farkaš, the executive director of the YC Delfin. “The 12th Tivat Regatta UNA Montenegro Cup passed without any incident at sea, which is, after all, the most important detail, considering we had big sailboats navigating between Optimists and competitors in the Laser 4.7 class. Also, we had a cruise ship passing through the Verige strait at the same time as most of the regatta participants were sailing that part of the route. But, there was enough patience and skill on all sides,” Farkaš said, not hiding how satisfied he is with the event. “The regatta partner - Agency UNA Montenegro - brought some fresh energy, some new ideas and both logistical and technical support, which helped us to promote this traditional regatta as a product of all and for all Tivat citizens. We think it is necessary for the upcoming editions, with the goal to make this regatta a great opening event for tourism and the nautical season in the Boka Bay.” The Tivat Regatta was also an excellent test for the upcoming event - the Open Balkan Championship -which will take place in Tivat in September 2018.
On the main navigational route of the race, 31 sailboats, 28 cruiser boats, two Hobbie Cat catamarans and one boat with Latin sail, classified in 7 classes, participated. With the participation of 18 sailboats of the type Optimist and 4 in the Laser 4.7 class, the Saturday event turned into a real sailing festival in the Tivat Bay waters.
As we already mentioned, skipper Maksim Nemchenko and his sailboat Favorit won the first prize in Class 7. Skipper Denis Aksenov won second place with the “Amerigo" sailboat, and third by skipper Oleg Smirnov with the sailboat "Christoforo". In Class 6, first was won by skipper Marko Radonjić and the “Vesna" sailboat from JK Lahor Kotor, while second place was won by Aleksandar Milivojević and the sailboat Settimo Cello for JK Porto Montenegro. The third prize went to the skipper Predrag Lešić for the JK Delfin "Lambada" sailboat.
The best result in Class 5 was by skipper Frano Tripović from JK Delfin and his sailboat Sinji Galeb. Right after he was his club colleague Miodrag Milić on the sailboat "Vega". Third place was won by skipper Marijan Milosevic and the sailboat "Amaya" for YC Lahor Kotor. Skipper Aleksandar Jandrić and the sailboat "Stara" won first place in the 3rd class of the competition against Zvonimir Grabic and the "Gušt" sailboat, who won the silver prize.
Much of the race’s attention was drawn to the J70 class. Four domestic and three international crews operated the fleet of seven YC Porto Montenegro sailboats. First place was won by skipper Gleb Shatkov from the “Good Stream Team”. They were followed by Robert Farkaš’s team from JK Delfin. The third prize went to skipper Yuri Abramkin and the YC Porto Montenegro team.
Toni Belan is the winner of the Hobbie Cat class. The second prize in this catamaran class went to the other participant, Goran Blagojević. Miroslav Orlov was the only participant in the category of barred boats, and his boat "The Tail" was given special recognition for participation.
In the Optimist class, first place in the general ranking went to Nikola Golubovic, while second was awarded to Pavle Musić, both from JK Delfin. Third was given to Vasilija Medigo Garić of JK Jugole Grakalić. In the competition for -12 years, first place was won by Musić, second by Vasilije Kurbanović and third by Marko Ljubojević, all from JK Delfin. Nina Strahinja from JK Lahor is the best female in the competition, followed by Sara Paspalj and Jana Jakšić, both of JK Jugole Grakalić. Stefan Anđelić won first place in the Class of Laser 4.7, while Danilo Jončić won second, and Josipa Čelanović won third. All skippers are from JK Delfin.
The Award Ceremony attracted both sailing lovers and Tivat citizens. The organizers took the opportunity to make a quick review of the excellent club history. The awards for cruiser sailboats were distributed by the club veterans, who contributed to the work and development of JK Delfin though generations. These include Boris Pean, Branko Krstović, Mirko Sorić, Vasko Vuković and Dejan Mršić. The goal of the event was also to bring attention to the fact sailing is not only a sport but a great opportunity for tourism development, which is recognized by the local Tourism Organization who is always supportive to YC Delfin and their efforts. The executive director of the Tourism Organization of Tivat, Gabriela Glavocic, awarded the competitors in two classes - the Hobbie Cat catamarans and Barred boats.
The youngest participants were awarded by members of the family club “TriBelan”- Ilija, Niko and Miho Belan - who contributed to the preservation of the sailing tradition in Boka for decades. Unique cups and olive-tree medals were made by the workshop "Banak" from Tivat, with the support of sculptor Goran Moškov Gonzo. Thanks to the acoustic duo “Jagnjen” and DJ Shevalier, the regatta after party lasted until the middle of the night.
The regatta organization was supported by the Tivat Municipality, Tourism Organization, Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay and the pool of local businesses.
All photos by:
