Silver Star for Cayard and Trouche

Buenos Aires, Argentina (November 23, 2024) – The 2024 Star South American Championship wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Club Náutico Olivos, with Paul Cayard (USA) and Pedro Trouche (BRA) claiming the title after three days of exhilarating and closely contested racing. The duo demonstrated their mastery of the challenging conditions and finished the championship with a well-deserved victory.

Coming in second were Lucas and Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG), who consistently delivered impressive performances throughout the regatta. Fabian Mac Gowan and Nicolas Rosas (ARG), rounding off the podium, secured third place.

The opening day of the regatta 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.

“We had a great day, Pedro and I, sailing together for the first time in about five years, it’s fantastic to be teamed up with him again, he’s a great partner and we borrowed this boat so we’re working on it, and improving it and our speed seems pretty good” commented Paul Cayard with Pedro Trouche, provisional leaders after two races.

“The winds and the current here are not straightforward, it’s much trickier than I remember so it was challenging. In the first race we were 4th at the first mark, but we managed to pick our way through the leaders including the Altolaguirre brothers who are a very good team here from Rosario, not far from here, and the second race we had a bad start but could make our way back to 2nd. So fantastic day for us for day one and a couple more days of this championship to go”.

The second race of day 1 held a victory for the local Argentine duo Leandro and Lucas Altolaguirre, who were 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 remained incredibly tight, especially on top, with small margins separating the leaders, promising more exciting racing into the next couple of race days.

Day 2 of the Championship saw the fleet take on challenging yet exciting conditions. With winds blowing at 22-25 knots from 135° and choppy seas, the sailors were put to the test as they completed two intense races.

Paul Cayard (USA) and his crew Pedro Trouche (BRA), who showcased their expertise and determination, finishing ahead of local favorites Lucas and Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG), claimed the first race of the day. However, the second race saw the Altolaguirre brothers strike back, crossing the finish line first, with Cayard and Trouche close behind in second.

After two days of racing and four total races, the provisional overall standings showed Cayard and Trouche leading the fleet with 6 points, followed by the Altolaguirre brothers with 8 points. In third place, Fabian Mac Gowan and Nicolas Rosas (ARG) held 14 points, which kept them in contention as the championship entered its final day.

The final day of racing continued with the same steady wind conditions as previous days, 16-20 knots from the same direction and accompanied by a steady current. These consistent conditions set the stage for another round of tight, tactical racing that thrilled competitors and spectators alike.

The Argentinian Star Class continues to impress with its efforts to grow the class and develop young sailing talent. Their commitment and passion for the sport ensured another successful championship, building on Argentina’s strong tradition in the Star fleet.

The championship also highlighted the international appeal of the Star Class, with teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Brazil, and the USA joining a strong Argentine contingent. Among the notable international competitors were Dani Fritz (GER), an Under 30 sailor, and Giovanni Coppo (ITA) with crew Frithjof Kleen (GER). Coppo and Kleen showed great potential, frequently rounding the top mark in the top three positions. However, downwind challenges with their new boat revealed areas for improvement as they look ahead to future events.

The 2024 Star South American Championship showcased not only the enduring appeal of this classic racing class but also the efforts of the Argentinian fleet to expand participation and develop the next generation of sailors. With a mix of seasoned champions like Paul Cayard and promising young talent, the event was a testament to the strength and vitality of the Star Class.

“We just finished the South American Championship 2024 here at the Yacht Club Olivos”, commented Paul Cayard, President of the International Star Class and newly crowned 2024 Star South American Champion. “Buenos Aires is a windy venue, you need a lot of power to beat the Altolaguirre brothers who are a very good local team, and we managed to do it. Pedro is obviously a strong young guy and I’m so grateful to him for crewing for me.

“The Argentinian fleet is very strong, we had over 30 boats with a lot of young people, they have Alberto Zanetti as a godfather, who’s helping grow the fleet and building new boats for them. Star sailing is alive and well in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I’m very happy I came down to see this and the whole Class can be happy about the quality of the sailing down here”.

Final top three:
Paul Cayard (USA) / Pedro Trouche (BRA)
Lucas Altolaguirre / Leandro Altolaguirre (ARG)
Fabian Mac Gowan / Nicolas Rosas (ARG)

Event Website – Entry List – Results

Source: ISCYRA Media