Pavla Bryxová | Pavel Nesvadba
The Raiffeisen Trophy, the largest Czech business regatta, was presented this year in a new format divided into two weeks. To the traditional Raiffeisen Trophy Inshore with circuit races, the new Raiffeisen Trophy Islands was added, which is an event that offered longer navigation stages between the Croatian islands.
Record-breaking participation, including for female crews
A total of 34 teams and over 250 sailors entered the Salona 46, First 45, Elan E4 and First 35 fleets. The regatta also brought a historical record – four all-female crews. The boats crossing to Rogoznica itself suggested that the conditions would not be easy. Strong winds gusting over 25 knots and the rough sea resulted in the cancellation of the practice run, so the opening ceremony thereby took place in the evening at Frapa marina.
The first day of racing brought ideal winds of 8 to 10 knots; the boats completed the navigation and circuit runs and the favourites were quick to present themselves. In the days that followed the competitors were exposed
to changeable weather – from thunderstorms and rain to beautiful sunny conditions with winds over 20 knots. On the final day, however, windless weather ended the competition prematurely.
Fleet results
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Salona 46 – won by BlackSTR skippered by Jiří Zelinka, 2nd place Haas & Sohn Sailing Team (Václav Cintl),
3rd place Altepro A (Martin Pospíšil).
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First 45 – Rychta 68 skippered by Miroslav Peterka with a convincing win, ahead of Newton Yacht Club (Petr Kraus) and AMI (David Hakl).
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First 35 – first place for Hebe Sailing Team (Adam Plhoň), 2nd place for the all-female team Twinky girls (Renata Marečková), 3rd place for Boatsafe Racing Team (Lukáš Slavík).
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Elan E4 – won by Altepro B (Jan Daněk), followed by Sailors of Fortune #2 (Petr Drahorád) and Sailors of Fortune #1 (Šimon Mareček).
New format – Raiffeisen Trophy Islands
The new part of the regatta took place in Kaštela and was taken part in by 8 teams on First 45 boats. Seven races were completed in five days in a variety of conditions. The Tornádo Team of Milan Ptáčník won convincingly, 2nd place went to the PREVENT team of Jožek Hnilica and the bronze went to the Zrádné banjo team led by Aleš Budín.
The Raiffeisen Trophy Islands event included an educational component – the competitors were accompanied by the national team coach Jacek Nowak. He conducted daily detailed debriefings while joining the crews right in the water to give them immediate feedback. This proved a massive success and the organisers intend to further build on the concept.
Sport and the social dimension
The Raiffeisen Trophy confirmed that it is not just about sailing. Participants appreciate the unique combination of sports, building of friendships, business networking and unforgettable experiences. “We started out as a small business regatta, today we are a respected sporting event, but one that does not neglect its human dimension,” says regatta director Pavel Winkler.
The tradition continues
The regatta is organised by YFA, which has been combining event management with yachting since 2004. This year, together with the Czech Sailing Association, it is also preparing a Gala Evening of Czech Sailing, which will take place on 22 November at the National House in Vinohrady. The ball, which will include the announcement of the Yachtsman/Yachtswoman of the Year, is poised to become an elegant gathering of athletes, partners and friends of sailing.
