The 2024 South American Championship is set to kick off in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from November 20 to 23, bringing together 31 teams from around the world.
The opening day delivered sunshine, a steady breeze, and thrilling competition. The wind started at 12-15 knots during the first race, building to 16-20 knots for the second, with a direction ranging from 130° to 145°. The choppy waters added an extra layer of challenge, testing the fleet's skills and endurance.
Both races had clear starts, showcasing the tight competition within the fleet. The first race was claimed by Paul Cayard (USA), partnered with Pedro Trouche (BRA). Cayard, the Star Class President and one of the most awarded and versatile sailors in the world, demonstrated he likes Rio de la Plata, where he won his Star World Championship back in 1988.
The second race saw a victory for the local Argentine duo Leandro and Lucas Altolaguirre, who are surely among the ones to watch out for. The pair recently tied for second place on points, finishing third at the 2024 Star World Championship in San Diego this past September, confirming their status as top contenders.
The fleet remains incredibly tight, especially on top, with small margins separating the leaders, promising more exciting racing ahead.
The championship will continue tomorrow with two more races scheduled per day until Saturday, November 23, when the South American champions will be crowned. With excellent conditions expected to persist, the sailors and organizers are expecting a thrilling week of competition in Buenos Aires.
Source: International Star Class
Results: https://sa.starchampionships.org/assets/documents/2024-Star-SAC-Results.pdf