After several modifications to the SOLO MED race course due to weather conditions, the Valencian skipper and member of Base Mini FNOB was the first to arrive at Marina Vela Barcelona, aboard mini 1027 “La Nona”.
“It was my first time sailing a PROTO and I had a tough time due to the tension. It’s very physical and you really need to be in shape to keep up the whole time. It goes much faster than a SERIES and you can feel the accumulated tension. But I loved the experience, and the result couldn’t have been better,” were the words of Genís Hontoria, who was satisfied after his first experience in the category.
Following him, Yaël Poupon (1051 Bihannic), who won Race 2 and finished second in Race 1, also taking the Salón Náutico Trophy for best combined time in both races. “I had never sailed around the Balearics and I loved it. The coast is beautiful and navigating the passages between islands was very tiring, but I really enjoyed this race. I’ll definitely be back!”
The two races that make up SOLO MED 2022 were marked by changing weather conditions, which meant Race Management had to repeatedly modify the program and courses to prevent participants from facing sea and wind conditions that made sailing dangerous.
Anna Corbella, SOLO MED director: “It was a tough race due to weather conditions and the unreliability of medium-term forecasts. We prioritized safety and had to shorten the course and modify the program, but the entire fleet is very satisfied with the race.”
With a positive assessment from participants, SOLOMED 2022 concluded with the prize-giving ceremony at FNOB. Port de Barcelona presented the top three finishers in each category with the Mirastel trophy, a reproduction of the floating sculpture by Robert Llimós that is one of the icons of Port de Barcelona. The six trophies were presented by the Director of Port Vell, Joan Colldecarrera.
Helly Hansen, race sponsor and regular collaborator with FNOB and Base Mini Barcelona, provided gifts to the winners. The fleet was unanimous in thanking C.N. Sa Ràpita for their hospitality and FNOB, with the essential collaboration of Marina Vela Barcelona, which provided moorings and facilities for the 34 registered boats.
SOLO MED 2022 was the first step toward FNOB and Base Mini’s goal of organizing a major Mini class race in the Mediterranean. Mediterranean weather requires a different approach than Atlantic events, but the participation success and positive final assessment from participants in this first edition provide an excellent starting point. The unstoppable growth of interest in the Mini 6.50 class and the strong commitment from Ajuntament de Barcelona, Base Mini, and FNOB to consolidate their Mediterranean leadership are very favorable factors for achieving this goal in 2023.
