The 2011 Techno European Open Team Racing Championships got underway on the 18^th May in Mondello, Sicily. This championship was once again part of the world famous World Festival on the Beach organised by the Albaria Club.

Nine teams lined up to challenge for the title – 2 teams from each of Great Britain, Israel, Italy, and Spain, plus one team from Russia. With this increased team entry it was decided to run one 9 team round robin, to be followed later in the week by semi finals and a final. three ‘flights’ were completed – no team was dominant, the first day finished with 4 teams tied at the top – each with two race wins – Spain 1, Great Britain 2, Russia and Israel 2.

Six flights were completed on day two – and Italy 1 went into the final day’s racing as favourites, having won all of their matches in the round robin. This team is from Cagliari, Sardinia, and coached by Mauro Covre who is also national coach for the Italian team. However it is anyone’s guess who they might meet in the final as two very strong teams – Russia and Israel 1 – went head to head in the other semi final.

In the end, meeting in the finals were Russia and Italy 1. Final positions after the close of racing were – Russia (1st); Italy 1 (2nd); Israel 1 (3rd); Israel 2 (4th)

Full report, results, video and photo gallery  – http://www.techno293.org/page0145v01.htm

World Festival on the Beach website – http://www.wwfestival.com/wwf/default1.htm