Wednesday, June 2, 2010

J/80 Europeans Preview

J/80 one-design sailboat- sailing in Europe upwind

(Lago di Garda, Italy- June 21-26)- Massimo Rama, J/80 Europeans Regatta Chairman, reports that excitement has been growing for this year's J/80 Europeans being hosted by Malsacine Yacht Club on the picturesque Lago di Garda.  A venue renowned not only for great sailing, but also for the remarkable northern Italian cuisine.  To date, fifty-two entries from eight countries are competing.  As Massimo remarked, "I really think it's a great success, especially considering the "economic situation" in Europe.  Represented are top teams from Italy, France, England, Germany, Estonia, Spain, Netherlands, Poland.  From England will be the newly crowned J/80 UK National Champion, Ian Atkins on boats.com as well as last race winner Terry Palmer on JUST DO IT.  The J/80 2010 French National Champion will also be represented, Eric Brezellec and his crew JACCUZZI / GOLD SAILING.   Jean-Charles Moriceau and his team on INTERFACE CONCEPT 1 are always near the top as is Luc Nadal and Laurent Sambron on ATLANTIS.  The leading Spanish teams include familiar names like J/80 champions Jose Maria Torcida on ECC VIVIENDAS and World Champion Ignacio Rodriguez Camino on NEXTEL ENGINEERING.  This group of sailors are some seriously tough hombres, it will make for some great competition and an excellent warm-up for this year's J/80 Worlds in Newport.   For more info on sailing the J/80 Europeans.