Rolex Circuito Atlántico Sur 2024 Concludes
January 22, 2024 - Punta del Este, Uruguay - Grand conclusion of the Rolex South Atlantic Circuit 2024. The overall winner was the boat KATARA, owned by Julián Somodi from the Yacht Club Argentino.
January 19 marked the end of one of the most anticipated nautical events of the year: the Rolex South Atlantic Circuit 2024, held in the city of Punta del Este and co-organized by the Yacht Club Argentino and the Yacht Club Punta del Este, with the sponsorship of Rolex.
During this edition, 48 boats with 428 crew members competing in the ORC and ORC Sportboat categories from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay provided a sporting and visual spectacle in the Bay of Maldonado that captured the attention and support of the public.
As the championship's conclusion, the traditional regatta, the Vuelta a Gorriti, took place on Friday. The competition started promptly at 12:00 for the ORC and ORC Sportboat categories.
The day began with rain and winds from the SE, with an intensity of about 15 to 17 knots and significant waves. The intensity increased to around 18 knots closer to Punta Ballena, making the race very fast.
At the Yacht Club Punta del Este headquarters, in the presence of national authorities, institution directors, and participating crew members, the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the new edition of the Rolex South Atlantic Circuit 2024 was held.
Winner of ORC 1 and Performance Division: the boat Soto 45 SAN GREGORIO, owned by Kirkor Simsiroglu (YCA), followed by S 40 OD MAC by Fernando Chain, and in third place, the Brazilian boat Botin 44 PHOENIX 44 by Mauro Dottori.
First place in Cruiser/Racer Division: the Brazilian boat Grand Soleil 46 XAMA, owned by Sergio Kiepaz.
The champion of ORC 2 and Cruiser/Racer Division was PG390 KATARA, owned by Julián Somodi, securing first place and the overall championship, earning the main prize: a Rolex watch. He was followed by his brother Andrés Somodi, with N 34.5 USHUAIA.
The Billoch-Zerbo 33 BZ33 by Martin Billoch completed the podium in this category and took first place in the Performance Division.
The ROCC IN RIO, Corum 300 CR by Gastón Rocca was the winner in ORC 3 and Cruiser/Racer Division, followed in the second position by the Brazilian boat INDIO Woss Incorporadora, Felci 315 by Cícero Hartmann, and JABEQUE Reloaded, G28 by Hernan Mones Ruiz in the third position, also winning in the Performance Division.
In the ORC Sportboat, the boat MUCHO SOL IV, Billoch 25 by Alberto Mallo and Harry Giuria of Brazil won, followed in second place by the Uruguayan boat CUTTY SARK, J-24 by Florencia Bellini, which also received the Female Crew award.
The TP52 CRIOULA, a Brazilian boat owned by Eduardo Plass, won the Buque Correo Cup, winning the BA-PDE race and securing the Blue Ribbon of the championship.
The award for the Farthest Port went to BOTO V, owned by André de Seixas Sobral from Brazil.
