Star World Championship 2025: Day Two Sees Expert Tactics and Victory for Negri and Lambertenghi

In an adrenaline-pumped spectacle on the stunning Adriatic, Day Two of the 2025 Star World Championship in Split, Croatia, was a demonstration of superior strategy and seamanship. After a standby period ashore, the full 101-boat fleet was unleashed, as race devotees eyed the skies, doubting the tentative weather predictions. But by the early afternoon, any hesitations were washed away with a solid 12-knot easterly dominating the racecourse, coupled with a moderate chop across the Split Channel.

Promptly at 2.30pm, the race began in splendid sailing conditions. A few boats were recalled individually, but a general recall was aptly averted by the Vakaros RaceSense System, which detected all On Course Side (OCS) boats in real time, ensuring a clean start for the fleet.

The first downwind presented a reshuffling of positions. The German Silver Star team of Hubert Merkelbach and Markus Koy, and Buckingham/Nichol overcame Doyle/Infelise, inching closer to the Pole/Brazilian alliance of Kusznierewicz and Prada, who held on to their lead. However, another thrill awaited on the second upwind where Merkelbach and Koy maneuvered the shifts proficiently and rounded the second top mark in first, followed by Kusznierewicz/Prada and the Italian World Champions Diego Negri with Sergio Lambertenghi.

Then, the Italians seized control. They displayed a faultless final downwind leg, surfing into the lead to clinch the race. Hot on their heels were Merkelbach/Koy in second and Kusznierewicz/Prada in third.

Despite the high-octane competition, camaraderie between the sailors remained unscathed. The champs of the day, Negri and Lambertenghi, currently lead the overall ranking after two races. While weather conditions might prove challenging for Race 3, the excitement amongst the competitors and sailing enthusiasts remains undeterred. This gripping championship continues to make waves, and the sailing world is enthralled to witness what the upcoming races of the 2025 Star World Championship unfold.