UNO Farr 40 European Championship 2011

Annapolis, USA. 3rd August 2011. Preparations are already underway in Istanbul, Turkey for the 12th edition of the UNO Farr 40 European Championship. Racing in the event, organized by the Farr 40 Class Association in collaboration with Marmara Sailing Club (MSC), begins on 13th October 2011 and will continue through Sunday 16th October. Although entries do not officially close until 1st September a fleet of as many as 17 Farr 40 yachts is expected to participate. This will be the first time that the European Championship has been held in Turkey and organizers are confident that the meteorological conditions and the facilities at Ataköy Marina, which was recently awarded a Blue Flag and is the first Marina in Turkey to hold the Five Golden Anchors award, will make for an excellent regatta.

“We are delighted to be hosting the Farr 40 yachts for the first time and to have the fleet here for their European Championship is even more exciting. Conditions here in October are great for sailing so we expect some top class racing: we normally see approximately 10 to 13 knots of northerly breeze and temperatures of 15 to 20°C. Racing will take place close to the marina so it will be a wonderful spectacle to see these one-design yachts competing from the city.” commented Ali Acar Doğaner, Commodore of Maramara Sailing Club.

The European Championship will take place immediately after the third leg of the European Circuit, also set to be held in Istanbul from 9th to 11th October, so crews will have plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the conditions on the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul. The Class enforces a strict owner-driver rule which ensures fierce competition in the fleet and - as in all Farr 40 events - racing will be close, tactical and exhilarating. Current Farr 40 European Champions Nerone (ITA), owned by Massimo Mezzaroma and Antonio Sodo Migliori, are looking forward to racing in the new location as long-time tactician Vasco Vascotto explained: “This is a great opportunity to race in a fantastic location like Istanbul. Nerone, as current title holder, couldn’t miss out on this appointment. There are also some new Turkish boats so this will be a great occasion for the class, which is more vibrant than ever.”

In addition to on-the-water action participants will enjoy a full social programme including a welcome cocktail, an owners’ dinner and a prize giving ceremony as well as daily after-race refreshments.

For further information please visit the European Championship section on this site, www.farr40.net or www.turkfarr40.com .