Successful Sixth Edition of the Portonovi Regatta "Boka Islands"

The traditional sixth edition of the Portonovi Regatta "Boka Islands" gathered sailors from across the region in the waters of Boka Bay. Over the course of two competition days, participants sailed from Portonovi to the islands of Perast and from Portonovi to Mamula. The event was organized by the Portonovi Yacht Club, with Portonovi Marina as the main sponsor.

Portonovi Marina Manager Novica Radojičić said they were thrilled with this year's turnout, as there were four more teams than the previous year.

"This means that the trend of growing attendance at this regatta continues to rise year after year," said Radojičić.

He noted that this is also a sign that their organizational efforts are paying off. As long as participants are satisfied, he said, they'll spread the word, and even more will come next year.

"This has been happening for the past few years, and judging by the number of participants and sailboats, the upward trend is becoming more and more evident," Radojičić added.

He said there were seven classes, the participants were enthusiastic, and the regatta was a success despite a lack of wind in certain segments.

"All competitors arrived with lots of positive energy and a spirit of competition, but also with a sense of camaraderie and in good spirits. That contributed to the great atmosphere during the two race days and at the celebration afterward," Radojičić emphasized.

He added that the Portonovi Yacht Club supports all other clubs in Montenegro, encouraging its members to participate in regattas beyond the ones in their organization. 

"This way, we promote not only our project but others as well, adding a spirit of unity to the entire sailing community," Radojičić said.

In the J-70 Class, Grigori Gedulianov took first place ahead of Ivan Gureyev and Danil Sidorov.

In Class 2, the boat Osmica, helmed by Branko Vidović, took first place, followed by Hoba Boba in second and Knotty Girl in third.

In Class 3, the winner was the boat UFO28, skippered by Janko Sijerković, who also claimed victory in Class 4 with the boat Oxygen.

In Class 5, skipper Denis Aksenov on FREE SPIRIT took first place; in Class 6, Dmitri Gedulianov on Auckland; and in Class 7, Tiare, helmed by Alexander Shesterikov, claimed the win.

Janko Sijerković, who has been sailing for over 50 years and celebrated victory in Class 4 aboard Oxygen, said the regatta left a strong impression and thanked the organizers and all participating crews.

This was his first time taking part in the "Boka Islands" regatta, and he said he was very proud of his crew.

Sijerković noted that sailing conditions were difficult, with shifting winds, but all crews performed very well.

"It's hard to sail in Boka. We've sailed many seas, but Boka is unique," Sijerković said, adding that the second day of the regatta was better; everything went as it should, and the crew operated at the highest level.