The last weekend of April, the 3-day Optimist Criterium Regatta 2024 Koper Europa Cup-Guličev memorial was successfully completed in Koper Bay, organized by JK Jadro Koper.

More than 100 younger sailors in the optimist class from seven countries—Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Estonia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Slovenia—competed in the regatta.

This was the last criterium regatta of the season to decide which of the sailors would represent Slovenia at the European Championships in Italy and the World Championships in Argentina. They sailed seven races in three days.

It was tense until the last race, with only a few tenths of a point separating the competitors. The judges also had a lot of work to do in deciding on the protests. However, in the evening, they announced the Slovenian team for the optimist class, and among them is Zoja Ribarić.

All of us who know Zoja know that she won her place on the national team with hard work, determination, and a lot of sacrifice. But it all paid off because she achieved her dream and the goal she set for herself. "Zoja, we are proud of you! Follow your dreams!"