Newsroom
Cypriot sailor Pavlos Kontides took first place at the Open Croatian Sailing Championship just days before the start of the European Championship on May 17.
The three-day regatta took place from May 8 to May 10 in Croatia and featured more than 70 boats. Kontides entered the event as part of his final preparation for the European Championship, which will also be held in Croatia.
The Cyprus Sports Organisation congratulated the Olympian in a social media post and wished him success in the upcoming competition.
Kontides delivered a steady performance throughout the five races. He finished sixth in the opening race on the first day. On the second day, he placed 19th in the first race, although that result was later discarded. He then responded with a win in the next race and followed it with a second-place finish.
On the final day, an eighth-place result secured first place overall for the Cypriot sailor.
Speaking after the competition, Kontides said he was pleased with both his performance and his preparation heading into the European Championship.
“It was a strong regatta with more than 70 boats at the start. Overall, I sailed very well, apart from a few small mistakes during the races. I’m definitely satisfied. It was very good preparation,” he said.
Croatian sailor Tonci Stipanovic finished second, while George Gautrey of New Zealand came in third.
Kontides will stay in Croatia before the European Championship begins. He is relocating his boat to Kastela near Split Airport, where the races will take place from May 17 to May 22.
