(Riva del Garda, Italy)- The J/70 Eurocup is in full swing at Fraglia
Vela Riva, Riva del Garda. This is the first event for the brand new
J/70 class which is enjoying are real boom in popularity across the
world. It is making its appearance for the very first time on Lake
Garda, Trentino. The high-performing sportboats are suitable not only
for professional sailors but also for those who enjoy the challenge of
competing at a high level.
There
are eight nations taking part with Fraglia Vela Riva yacht club again
taking the reins as pioneers for a new sailing class in Europe! During
the few days prior to the regatta, the J/70 teams were practicing out on
the lake-- in the 15-25 kts of TWS, the J/70s on a close reach were
reaching impressive speeds- often in excess of 15 kts boat speed!
Until
Thursday the British team led by Ruairidh Scott has dominated the
field-- his crew on board are Ben Field, Charlie Cumbley and Matt
Curthoys. They have 5 firsts and a second so far. Fred Bouvier of France
and Brit sailor Joe Woods are fighting it out over second place. With
two days to go they are even with 13 points each. Pietro Saccomanni
(Diporto Velico Veneziano) along with Salvatore Eulisse, Alberto Grippo
and Giulia Sent are the first of the Italian teams in fifth place.
Weather conditions were very good on the first two days with steady,
light – medium winds of 16-18 knots. The competitors have been very
pleased with the organization of the the event, from the staff on land,
to the regatta committee, and to those on the water who are helping to
manage the course. The event is sponsored by "Hannspree" who are
awarding their latest model 50" LED flat-panel TV to the medal winners!
For
more J/70 EuroCup sailing information
