We present low- and medium resolution spectra of the recurrent nova CI
Aquilae taken at 14 epochs in May and June, 2000. The overall appearance is
similar to other U Sco-type recurrent novae (U Sco, V394 CrA). Medium
resolution (R=7000-10000) hydrogen and iron profiles suggest an early expansion
velocity of 2000-2500 km/s. The H\alpha evolution is followed from Dt = -0.6 d
to +53 d, starting from a nearly Gaussian shape to a double peaked profile
through strong P-Cyg profiles. The interstellar component of the sodium D line
and two diffuse interstellar bands put constraints on the interstellar
reddening which is estimated to be E(B-V)=0.85\pm0.3. The available visual and
CCD-V observations are used to determine t0,t2 and t3. The resulting parameters
are: t0=2451669.5\pm0.1, t2=30\pm1 d, t3=36\pm1 d. The recent lightcurve is
found to be generally similar to that observed in 1917 with departures as large
as 1-2 mag in certain phases. This behaviour is also typical for the U Sco
subclass.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in A&
