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The second edition of the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience took place in Grado, Italy in early October and has provided entertainment to the many fans of this discipline, in the full spirit of the Barcolana Sailing Regatta.
Press Release: Sail World
The number of participants has more than doubled over a year, going from 50 to 135 athletes and showing all the potential of the world of SUP. The second edition of the Barcolana Grado SUP Experience, which was held today in Grado, has provided entertainment to the many fans of this discipline, in the full spirit of the Barcolana.
The race took place in perfect yet challenging weather conditions, with light wind and adverse current at the Mandracchio’s entrance in Grado, which called for more energy during the final stretch. More than 100 participants followed the course, which was 2.2 miles long, starting from Spiaggia Imperiale, skirting the dam, and following the dolphins to enter the port; after that, a small stretch in the lagoon and the most challenging part at the entrance to the Mandracchio, where many were overtaken.
The winner was Mauro Feltrin, who is retaining the title after winning last edition’s race. A naval engineer from Latisana, he took the lead immediately and held it until the end on his self-built SUP boards, tailored to his weight and performance. The first woman to cross the finish line was Natasha Cesar, in her first Barcolana Grado SUP Experience.
“The Barcolana Grado SUP Experience is confirmed as a beautiful event which I believe is going to grow a lot,” said the President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano (Barcola and Grignano Sailing Club) Mitja Gialuz. “This year, together with the Municipality of Grado and G.I.T., we made a bet: in five years we will make it the most attended event of its kind in the world, following in the footsteps of the Barcolana regatta. Today we can say that we are on the right path, thanks to them and to the precious support of the Lega Navale Italiana (Italian Naval League) – section of Grado, the Società Canottieri Ausonia (Ausonia Rowing Club), Kitelife FVG and partners Acqua Dolomia and Starboard. Congratulations to all participants, congratulations to the winners, congratulations to those who worked hard and rowed against the current; most importantly, bravo to the youngest boys and girls: thank you for being here.”
Mauro Feltrin completed the course in 31 minutes, followed by Ukrainian athlete Eugen Kondratiev and Stefano Presti; the first woman (and fourth athlete overall) to cross the finish line was Natasha Cesar, followed by Elena Poppo and Nicoletta Rossi. As for the results according to category, Umberto Rossi won the Kids category, Matteo Savella the Under 18 category, and Eugen Kondratiev the Open category, followed by Natasha Cesar, who gave a really great performance proving to be truly invulnerable. The ‘mega SUP’ put on a great show – there were three of them, having at least four paddlers on board each, plus children and supporters. The winner was the team captained by Andrea Cella. Overall the moral winner of the competition was Border Collie Lana, who stood on the bow of her two-legged companion’s SUP for the entire race, ready to jump into the water to celebrate their great result and proud of her number 10 racing bib.