The first event of ALCATEL J/70 CUP, event hosted between April 29th and May 1st by Sanremo Yacht Club, came to an end with just two races sailed. Extremely variable weather conditions, together with unsteady wind and a very competitive fleet on the starting line forced the Race Committee to continuous waits or general recalls. So much so, that on the last day of the event, no races were sailed because of the continuous delays.

Sixty-two boats from fourteen Countries sailed in Sanremo, down to the Open formula on which the Italian circuit is based. It is possible that more and more boats will join the Italian fleet in the upcoming events: The Eurocup of Scarlino, the Alpen Cup of Riva del Garda and the last event before the Worlds in September; Scarlino.

There were also many newcomers racing with the J/70 fleet in Sanremo, in amongst the teams that have already left a mark on the Class. Among these, European Champion Claudia Rossi, Calvi Network by Carlo Alberini, several times winner of the Key West Race Week and once European Champion, Franco Solerio aboard of L’Elagain; winner of the Italian circuit in the past two years.

The victory of the first event of ALCATEL J/70 CUP went for the second year in a row to the crew of Calvi Network, with Carlo Alberini at the helm. ArtTube of the Russian sailor Lera Kovalenko followed Calvi Network on podium, and Arrivederci, one of the two Brazilian teams that were racing in Sanremo, got the third placement.

In the Corinthian division, first place went to White Hawk by Gianfranco Noè, followed by Magie Das Sailing Team and by the Swedish crew of Dynamant Racing.

One of the greatest social moments was the dinner hosted on the stunning terrace of Royal Hotel. The traditional raffle organized by the J/70 Italian Class awarded all the crews with tablets and phones by Alcatel, Fitbits and clothing powered by Gill; the abundance of the prizes was such that none of the crews remained empty-handed!

The next event of ALCATEL J/70 CUP is scheduled for May 26th to 28th in Malcesine, on Lake Garda. Currently, 66 boats have already signed in with a few more expected to register in the very last days before the event.

ALCATEL J/70 Final results – After two races

1. Calvi Network, pt. 5 2. Art-Tube, pt. 7 3. Arrivederci, pt. 10 4. Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries, pt. 14 5. White Hawk (1st Corinthian), pt. 18

©J70Italian Class/SilviaGallegati