An unusually slow wind turned what should have been an international competition with participants from Greece, Italy, Romania, Russia, Turkey and the UK into an all-Bulgarian event. Would-be participants from abroad that had set sail to Bulgaria’s Black Sea town of Sveti Vlas for this year’s regatta, aiming to arrive in time for its July 18 start, did not reach Bulgarian territorial waters until the last day of the races, July 20.

More than 130 Bulgarian participants in 25 teams competed in the fifth international sailing regatta in Sveti Vlas in four classes. Additionally, the fastest racer in all classes was awarded the Dinevi Cup.

When the wind did pick up, and this only on the last day of racing, it did not change anything in the rankings reached on day two.

After three days, in which a total of seven races were run, the Dinevi Cup went to Atanas Ivanov and his team on the Extasy from Balchik.

Ivanov and crew were also the winners in the over-29-feet class.

Winner in the class with most contestants, the Conrad 25R, was the Chivas operated by Mihail Kopanov and his crew from the municipal sailing club Nessebur 2000.

The Standard Asset of Ivailo Gavrailov from yachting club KGG Port Varna took first prize in the Melches 24 class, while Sundowner of Damyan Petkov from yacht club Port Bourgas beat the competition in the under-29-feet class.

Races were held close to shore and could be followed from the beaches between Nessebur and Sveti Vlas.