Meet the Team - JOY - Vladimir Borstnar & Bojan Gale - ORC DH Europeans 2024
JOY (J99) - Vladimir Borstnar and Bojan Gale (JK Pirat Portoroz)
As the ORC DH European Championship 2024 in Caorle approaches, we are happy to introduce some participating teams. Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of Slovenian team JOY of Vladimir Borstnar and Bojan Gale, as they set sail on the J99 in the upcoming ORC DH European Championship.
About the Team
In the realm of double-handed sailing, JOY is a relatively fresh contender, having participated in only a handful of races over the past three years, primarily as a fully crewed team. Their recent foray into double-handed racing saw notable success at the Full Moon regatta in Croatia, where they clinched victory in the Night Sprint and secured a commendable second place in the subsequent race from Pula to Mali Lošinj. As they prepare for the ORC DH European Championship, JOY eagerly anticipates the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. With a focus on maintaining concentration and enduring the rigors of prolonged effort, they recognize sleep management as a significant hurdle. Yet, they approach this new chapter with enthusiasm, hoping to witness the growth of double-handed sailing in popularity, particularly in the vibrant waters of the North Adriatic, including their home country, Slovenia.
Vladimir Borstnar: A Sailing Journey
Vladimir Borstnar's sailing odyssey commenced at the tender age of 6, navigating the waters aboard a Cadet. Over the years, he transitioned through various dinghy and keelboat classes, accumulating multiple national championships and representing his country in numerous Continental and World Championships. Noteworthy among his achievements is a 9th-place finish in the Cadet World Championship in Trieste in 1975 and a commendable 4th place in the J24 World Championship in Wakayama, Japan, in 2016. His last Continental championship was in 2022 in Austria, where he finished 4th in the D2 Cat A European Championship (losing the title he won in 2021 in Portorož).
His passion for sailing extends beyond the competitive realm, as he continues to explore the waters on different vessels, including the J99 JOY, and even ventures into windsurfing competitions in his native Slovenia.
Bojan Gale: A Legacy of Sailing
Bojan Gale's affinity for sailing blossomed at the age of 8, as he embarked on his journey aboard an Optimist. His transition to the Europe dinghy and subsequently the 470 class marked the beginning of a successful competitive career, highlighted by national titles and representation on the Slovenian National Team. Bojan showcased his talent on the international stage, representing his country at prestigious events such as the 1996 Junior Worlds in Poland and the 1999 Europeans in Turkey. His illustrious career culminated with his participation in the 2001 Worlds, held in his hometown of Koper. Although these victories were not under the Slovenian flag, they solidified his prowess as a formidable sailor, earning him recognition as Croatian and Austrian Champions.
Bojan's expertise extends beyond racing, as he actively contributes to the sailing community as an International Race Officer and International Judge.
After nearly two decades, he has returned to competitive sailing, now finding joy and camaraderie in double-handed racing aboard the J99 JOY, alongside Vladimir Borstnar.
Thirty Double-Handed teams from four nations are poised to do battle in less than two weeks at the 30th annual running of La Duecento, a popular 200-mile race in the upper Adriatic organized by Circolo Nautico Porto Santa Margherita (CNSM). These teams will also be competing for podium medals as part of the 2024 ORC Double-Handed European Championship, now in its second year and the first of several World and European Championship events on the 2024 international racing calendar organized by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC).
