A WEEK OF GRACE
Vesuvius loomed large on the horizon for the first time this week, but not for the first time the wind failed to play ball. In fact, it took the ball away today and apart from teasing the Race Committee with some zephyrs, it never materialised into anything good enough to hold a race. Peter Reggio blew the final whistle on Rolex Capri Sailing Week 2009 just before the stipulated cut-off point. Overnight leaders instantly became overall winners.
Photo Rolex/Carlo BorlenghiVincenzo Onorato and Mascalzone Latino (ITA) took the laurels in the Farr 40 class, an especially pleasing result since these are virtually his home waters. Carlo Perrone and Atlantica Racing (ITA) proved themselves on beat with Capri time, winning here for second time in the Swan 45 class. Alessandro Nespega and Fral 2 (ITA) put the lid on a disappointing event last year to take victory in the Comet 45 class. Massimo Russo and Athanor (ITA) were runaway winners in the Comet 41 class, and, Leonardo Ferragamo and Cuordileone (ITA) left Capri top of the class in Club Swan 42s.
A clean sweep for the Italians, but it could have been different. In all but the Comet classes the competition has been truly international, something Massimo Massaccesi, President of the Yacht Club Capri is quick to point out. “This is the tenth anniversary of the founding of our club. To see such a well prepared, competitive and international fleet has been a real pleasure. This event is significant for Capri and is recognised as an important one in the Mediterranean calendar,” commented Massaccesi.
As for the winners, without exception all were deeply satisfied with the week's proceedings and paid tribute to the race management's handling of the trying conditions.
“When you win it is always a good week,” said a smiling Onorato. “I'm happy because, I was born in Naples so Capri is more or less my home and it is beautiful to win here. It was not easy, but it was very Capri. But it is also fascinating to sail in light winds and difficult sailing conditions. It is impossible not to be happy when you are in such a wonderful place like Capri.” With the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds in a month's time Onorato will be pleased to have a preparatory win already under his belt in this highly competitive class, but he recognises the difference between sailing in Capri and Porto Cervo, “as a sailing event this is certainly preparation, but you have to consider that probably in Sardinia we will have very different conditions.” Onorato is also swift to emphasise that he is by no means a certainty for what would be his fourth world title, “it will be no more or less difficult to win in June than at any other time. You have to fight to win and it is very difficult, but that is the most interesting thing in this class. The Farr 40 is the most competitive in the world. Everybody can win.”
To wrap up, instead of a plate of the day we have a place of the day: La Canzone del Mare, a luxurious bathing establishment located in Marina Piccola boasting stunning views of the Faraglioni and the Siren's Rock, and, the location of last night's Rolex Crew Party. Formerly the site of an old fort, it was transformed by the actress and singer, Gracie Fields, into a magnet for celebrities and the like during Capri's 'golden years'. Fields chose Capri as her home in the 1940s, and lived here until death in 1979. The titles to all press releases this week have been inspired by the titles of some her most famous films and songs.
Rolex Capri Sailing Week 2009 was organised by the Yacht Club Capri.
The Rolex Farr 40 World Championship 2009 will be held in Porto Cervo from 24 - 27 June.
International Media Information
Anna Maria Gregorini
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