The 2018 edition of the South Atlantic Rolex Circuit was organized by the Yacht Club Argentino, the Olivos Yacht Club, the Punta del Este Yacht Club and the Uruguayan Yacht Club and sponsored by Rolex. Twenty J/70s participated in the three-day event. The teams came from Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina.
Day One: Racing began on January 15 for the enthusiastic fleet of J/70s. Two races were held in a southerly 18 knots breeze. Pedro Garra’s PLAN B led the fleet at the end of the day with a 2-1 for 3 points. They were followed by Francisco Van Aermaete’s SI QUERIDA with a 1-5 for 6 points. Completing the podium after the first day was Ricardo Umpierre’s XTREME 4U with a 3-3 for 6 points.
Day Two: The J/70 sailors were treated to a radiant sun and with ESE winds that grew from 12 to 17 knots. They completed three more races and the “planing mode” conditions created a dramatic turnover in the standings. As a result, it was Diego Garcia’s CHAPULIN from YC Punta del Este who flew up the standings and won the regatta with 17 total points. SI QUERIDA held on for the silver with 20 points total. Pedro Garra’s PLAN B got the bronze to round out the podium. The balance of the top five included Aldo Centanaro’s PURA JODA in fourth with 38 points, and in fifth place was Juan Pablo Fregonese’s BUTANTAN with 41 points (he topped a three-way tie count-back scenario with Ricardo Umpierre’s XTREME 4U and Sebastian Rana’s BANQUITOS).
Grand finale Vuelte (Round) Gorriti Island Race: In this fun, classic race that closes out the Rolex Circuito Atlantico Sur 2018, the “round island” race of Gorriti is enjoyed by all. In the J/70s, winning was Fregonese’s BUTANTAN with Rana’s BANQUITOS in second, Centanaro’s PURA JODA in third, Garra’s PLAN B fourth and Nicolas Goulu’s CHISPITA in fifth place.
For more Rolex Circuito Atlantico Sur information and results, visit http://rcas.org.ar/2018/01/17/news-2018/.