HSS, ESF and EMK joined forces in the 5th OptiOrange Valencia Regatta
14 opti racing team sailors from the greater Helsinki are clubs HSS, ESF and EMK joined forces and visited Valencia to enjoy the excellent training conditions and to gain learnings from a big international Opti regatta.
3 training days followed by a 4 days OptiOrange regatta fulfilled all expectations.
The winds in Mediterranean Sea are very different from the Finnish ones – the sea breezes are a lot stronger and move with the sun. Also, due to the storms in Palma de Mallorca (snow storm in March!) the waves were much larger and the current was stronger than in the Valencia area usually. All in all, the conditions and a 100 boats fleet regatta provided excellent opportunities for learning starts, boat controlling and body position as well as learning how to surf the big waves in upwinds and downwinds.
Teamwise it was also a fun experience to join forces with three clubs to get a ”Team Finland feeling” amongst the 25 other countries joining the Regatta. It was also awesome to gain new friends when sharing a big team house by the beautiful Malvarossa Beach. We even had time for a wonderful Argentinan barbecue night at the house with parents and coaches!
The OptiOrange Regatta was arranged for the 5th time by Real Club Náutico de Valencia in the ’Manel Casanova’ regatta area. Nearly 480 sailors, representing 26 countries, were competing in this international regatta, which has become one of the most important and outstanding regattas in the Spanish optimist class. HSS’s Sami Hietalahti is improving fast and placed 3rd in boys under 13 years after winning this class in Torrevieja. HSS’s Lily-Sofie Latvala also sailed excellent and placed 44th in the overall class.
This trip will also be remembered for endless cups of freshly squeezed orange juice and endless amount of free cans of Fanta Limon
Thank you for coaching to the one and only super duo @nico_vidalnv and @_a_pablo_
Thank you @espoonmerenkavijat @esbosegelforening & @rcnvalencia @optiorangevalencia
