Last weekend was full of exciting sailing action in Malcesine. Last Sunday, May 28th, the curtain fell over the second event of the ALCATEL J/70 CUP. This Italian circuit is reserved for J/70 boats, open to participants from all over the world.

For the second time in a row, the victory went to Gill’s Race Team; Calvi Network by Carlo Alberini. In a series of eight races, they won four of them. This is down to the strength and experience of the crew: Branko Brcin calling tactics, Karlo Hmeljak at main and Sergio Blosi in the double role of trimmer and skipper. Calvi Network was also the winner of the Alpen Cup prize; this was awarded to the crew that scored the best result over the eight races without discard.

Two wins on the last day were by Marco Salvi’s Vertigo. Victor Diaz was calling tactics, which earned them second placement on podium. They had 24 points over the third classified, Polish entry Mag Ewa by owner Krzysztof Krempec and Croatian tactician Tomislav Basic.

The winners of the 2015 and 2016 editions of ALCATEL J/70 CUP; L’Elagain by Franco Solerio, had Daniele Cassinari, CEO of North Sails Italia calling tactics. However, this time they missed the podium, closing in fourth position.

The Corinthian fleet was composed of 26 crews representing eight nations. It turned out to be very competitive and in many cases, competitors were able to keep up with the professionals. This meant that some crews placed high enough within their races and placed within the top-five of the overall ranking.

The victory, inside this fleet, went to Gianfranco Noè’s White Hawk, which already earned some success this season, closing as second the Adriatic Cup and winning the first event of ALCATEL J/70 CUP in Sanremo in the Corinthian division.

Second placement went to Pensavo Peggio! by Andrea Magni with Marco Laurino calling tactics, was boat of the day on the second day of the event. Finally, the third step of the podium went to Magie Das Sailing Team by Alessandro Zampori.

The event went on every day even after racing: beverages offered by Aperol Spritz and KitchenAid welcomed crews when back on dock, while those who preferred to keep living in the race could take exciting test drives with professional Alfa Romeo pilots. As in best tradition of the ALCATEL J/70 CUP, a raffle awarded prizes by Alcatel, Fitbit and Gill, official clothing supplier, to make sure that all crews present at the event, did not leave empty-handed. A road-tour offered by OhhItaly, was given to the best foreign crew in the overall ranking. This went to the Polish crew of Mag Ewa.

The J/70 fleet now remains on the Garda lake. The third event of ALCATEL J/70 CUP is scheduled for June 23rd-25th hosted by Riva del Garda. – Watch this space!

ALCATEL J/70 - Final results

After 8 races, 1 discard

1. Calvi Network, pt. 14 2. Vertigo, pt. 31 3. Mag Ewa, pt. 55 4. L'Elagain, pt.55 5. Enfant Terrible, pt. 73

For full ranking list click here.

©J70Italian Class/SilviaGallegati