It was a splendid day on Saint Tropez, just perfect to close the three days of balanced but extremely tight action. With three days of superb racing conditions and smooth operations by the organizers, the Race Committee and the International Jury were able to complete all 9 windward/leeward races scheduled for this first series in Saint Tropez. After taking home last year’s European title on the same meeting place defeating noone else than the famous new Zealander Russell Coutts, Massimo Mezzaroma and Antonio Sodo Migliori are on top again.
Just two points separated Nerone from Mascalzone Latino, one of the favourite team of the class. After a first day that found Mascalzone Latino not in brilliant shape she recoverd in day 2 fighting till at the end to fill in the gap. Each of the three completed races of the day had different winners, the final one taking by La Marachella of Sergio Panaleo, tactician Salvatore Eulise one of the two new entries of this 1st series.
Carlo Alberini, the new president of the class was steering Calvi, counting a sixth place on the final overall. Notable the initiative of Calvi, Light Bay Sailing team whose president Riccardo Chini announced the opening for the first time of a new project Light Bay sails for Life, a most welcoming cystic fibrosis fundraising for the entire 2006 season.
Massimo Mezzaroma said "We are indeed really satisfied. I keep thinking that even if we don’t have a casino nearby, this place is a gold of mine for us. Although we’ve changed a lot, we have 3 new crew members and that’s not easy but we are in good shape and we’ll continue fighting". About his battlefield rival, the same Russell Coutts he said "As we all know its not the first time we’ve meet and we are not afraid. The truth is that Farr40 is the most highly competitive class and the tough guys are coming out here".
After these three days with nine surprising regattas we are anticipating a season full of excitement and enthusiasm.
The next series, the second edition of the Rolex Capri Sailing Week 28 April-1May is organized by the Yacht Club Capri in conjunction with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
Saint Tropez - 02 April 2006 00:00
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