33rd Primo Cup – Trophy Credit Suisse: A cracking start

2-5 February 2017: Star, Smeralda 888, Melges 20, J/70 and M32

Monaco, Friday 3^rd February 2017. Without a doubt, the Primo Cup – Trophy Credit Suisse is a regatta that generates suspense and puts on a great show. The 33^rd edition like the ones before it has brought together the best on the Monaco race area. With 100 boats, five classes, three courses and nearly 400 sailors, the event is living up to its reputation as one not to be missed! Competitors on the first official day of racing were treated to a brisk 20-knot south-westerly with a light chop, giving everyone a chance to prove their tactical prowess.

 HIGHTLIGHTS OF THE DAY:

M32: a salty start

The five M32s registered managed four back-to-back races, with the multi-hulls pulling off their manoeuvres close to the beach at Larvotto to the delight of the public. The day was dominated by the Swedes on Team Flux led by Johnie Berntsson, followed by the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Guido Miani (Team Neverland) who is just three points adrift of the top step. Riccardo Simoneschi (Italia Sailing Team) completes the provisional podium.

Smeralda 888: the art of overtaking!

The Smeralda 888s completed three races and did not give grief to the Race Committee who can congratulate themselves on impeccable starts. Beppe Zaoli (Smeralda 2) from the YCM won two races in quick succession followed by a 2^nd place, propelling him to the top of the provisional ranking ahead of Timofey Sukhotin (Beda) and Vamos Mi Amor helmed by Frederic Bourguet Maurice.

Melges 20: experience talks

Achille Onorato (Mascalzone Latino), 5^th in the last World Championships and considered one of the best in this class, tops the leader board yesterday evening having won two races and clinched 3^rd place in the last race. He’s followed by YCM member Matteo Marenghi Vaselli (Raya) then the Italian Manfredi Vianini Tolomei (Maolca).

Star: sheer hard work

It was a physically demanding day for the 17 Star teams competing here in the second stage of their European winter circuit. It’s a very international gathering with ten nations represented. Roberto Benamati (7488), 1991 World Champion has not lost his reflexes and leads the fleet at the end of two races. In his wake are German Reinhard Shmidt (8427) then Swede Tom Lofstedt (8517). The Monegasque Filippo Orlando (8436) is 12^th.

J/70: Brazilians set the tempo

With 50 J/70 boats registered and 12 nationalities represented this is by far the biggest fleet at this event. Among them are 15 boats flying the YCM’s colours, proof yet again of just how dynamic and motivated this class is in the Principality. All were delighted with the first day as they surfed along with spinnakers flying. The tough conditions suited the Brazilian team on Mandachuva helmed by Mario Soerensen who won the day’s two races. They are followed by the French on Give me Five then the Poles on Ewa. Ludovico Fassitelli (Junda Banca Del Sempione) from the YCM is lying 5^th having kept up well with the leaders.

Rendezvous today Saturday 4^th February at 11.00am.

Provisional ranking (at the end of the first day):

Provisional ranking – Star
1^st: Roberto Benamati – ITA (7488) – 3 points
2^nd: Reinhard Shmidt – GER (8427) – 6 points
3^rd: Tom Lofstedt – SWE (8517) – 7 points

Provisional ranking – Smeralda 888
1^st: Beppe Zaoli – MON (Smeralda 2) – 4 points
2^nd: Timofey Sukhotin – MON (Beda) – 7 points
3^rd: Frederic Bourguet Maurice – MON (Vamos Mi Amor) – 9 points

Provisional ranking – Melges 20
1^st: Achille Onorato – ITA (Mascalzone Latino) – 4 points
2^nd: Matteo Marenghi Vaselli – MON (Raya) – 8 points
3^rd: Manfredi Vianini Tolomei – ITA (Maolca) – 9 points

Provisional ranking – M32
1^st: Johnie Berntsson – SWE (Team Flux) – 7 points
2^nd: Guido Miani – MON (Team Neverland) – 10 points
3^rd: Riccardo Simoneschi (Italia Sailing Team) – 12 points

Provisional ranking – J/70
1^st: Mario Soerensen Garcia – BRA (Mandachuva) – 2 points
2^nd: Adrien Follin – FRA (Give me five) – 5 points
3^rd: Krzysztof Krempec -POL (Ewa) – 6 points

Programme (subject to change)

Saturday 4^th February:
11.00am:                     First warning signal for Melges 20, J/70, Smeralda 888 and Star
12 noon                       First warning signal for M32

Sunday 5^th February:
11.00am:                     First warning signal Melges 20, J/70, Smeralda 888 and Star
12 noon                       First warning signal for M32
3.00pm:                      Final possible warning signal

Prize-giving:                One hour after finish line closes

Source: www.ycm.org