Croatia Coast Cup 2024: Regatta training on the Dufour 470 performance Easy Eleven
The Croatia Coast Cup 2024 was an extraordinary sailing experience for ambitious regatta sailors and newcomers alike. From October 12 to 18, 2024, our route took us from Biograd to Pula (Marina Polesana) and back to Biograd – aboard the high-performance Dufour 470 Performance, the "Easy Eleven", with the starting number 22.
Day 1 – Saturday, October 12: Boat Handover & Crew Organization
Our sailing adventure began with the handover of our regatta boat in Biograd. The Easy Eleven was optimally prepared for the Croatia Coast Cup – including gennaker, lines, and blocks. As the regatta included night stages, precise planning was essential: a structured watch plan, team meetings, and initial get-to-know phases of the unfamiliar crew laid the foundation for a strong team. The first training sail was to familiarize ourselves with the boat and practice initial maneuvers under competitive conditions.
Day 2 – Sunday, October 13: Start of the First Race
The day began with a skipper briefing at 11:00 AM, where the regatta management informed all participants about the course and start procedure. At 1:00 PM, the starting signal for the first race was given. Our strategy was clear: a safe start with a clear path instead of taking risks at the start line. This tactic paid off – after just an hour, we were sailing in 3rd place.
Before the gate at Olib, the gennaker was successfully set. With light winds and a gentle current, the crew and trainer showed utmost concentration. Despite the calm, we pushed forward at 1–2 knots towards the finish. The night regatta became an emotional challenge – supported by warm meals, coffee, and plenty of chocolate, the mood on board remained positive.
Arrival at Marina Polesana in Pula on Day 3
On Monday evening, October 14, we reached Marina Polesana in Pula with a solid 3rd place – welcomed with goulash and beer. A perfect end to the first part of the regatta.
Day 4 – Tuesday, October 15: Harbor Maneuvers & City Tour in Pula
The rest day was actively used: At the crew's request, we practiced harbor maneuvers such as docking and undocking, as well as alongside maneuvers. This practical training boosted each crew member's confidence for future maneuvers under pressure. After lunch, we explored the old town of Pula with a guided tour through Roman history and architecture.
Day 5 – Wednesday, October 16: Regatta Back to Biograd
Wednesday was all about the race back to Biograd. After the skipper briefing, we set off:
- 12:30 PM: Start of the up-and-down course (3rd place)
- 1:30 PM: Long-distance regatta towards Biograd
Our tactic: safe maneuvering, optimal sail trim, and quick decisions. Near Susak, a wind shift presented new challenges – the gennaker had to be briefly taken down. Later, it was set again, this time with perfect timing.
Route Decision: Zut Channel or Zadar Channel?
A strategically decisive question: Zut Channel or Zadar Channel? Together with several other teams, we chose the Zadar Channel – in hindsight, the Zut Channel proved to be more favorable wind-wise. Nevertheless, through smart teamwork and precise trimming, we continued to sail at a consistently high level.
Day 6 – Thursday, October 17: Goal Achieved – 4th Place out of 27 Yachts
After a long, windless night and with much discipline, motivation, and strategic finesse, we reached the finish in Biograd – with the 6th best time and a strong 4th overall place out of 27 participating yachts.
Conclusion: Croatia Coast Cup 2024 – A Sailing Experience with Depth
The Croatia Coast Cup was not only a sporting success for our crew on the Easy Eleven, but also an intensive learning and team experience. From night sailing to harbor maneuvers to tactical decisions on the open sea: every day was a new challenge.
Why the Croatia Coast Cup is ideal for regatta training:
- Perfect training conditions for ambitious sailors
- Professional skippers and structured watch plans
- Tactics and trim training in real regatta conditions
- Exciting course along the Croatian coast
- Strong team dynamics & personal growth
Save the date: Offshore Challenge 2025 – The regatta training for beginners & advanced sailors along the stunning Croatian coast!
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