Blu Moon Leads Uka Uka And Fantastica After Day One At Italian Open In Cagliari
The first day of racing at the 2009 Melges 24 Italian Open Championship, the fourth event in the 2009 Volvo Cup Series, brought the 35 competing crews three fantastic races in a steady 10-12 knot southerly wind. The incredible depth of talent in the fleet was clear and was clearly demonstrated by the fact that there are three different winners at the end of the day.
Race one went to Flavio Favini, helming Franco Rossini's SUI782 Blu Moon with Melges 24 World Champion and match race/AC star Sebastien Col whispering tactical sweet nothings in his ear. It wasn't an easy win however and Favini spent much of the race virtually match racing reigning Melges 24 World Champions Lorenzo Bressani and Lorenzo Santini's ITA71 Uka Uka Racing. Also putting in a great showing in this race were 2006 Melges 24 World Champion Nico Celon helming ITA765 Fantastica, who finished third and Pietro Sibello, helming ITA778 All In, who finished fourth.
As the committee prepared for race two the wind shifted and increased slightly. Uka Uka Racing spotted the shift and went on to dominate the race with no serious challengers. Fantastica and Dodo Gorla sailing ITA701 Blue did battle for second place with Fantastic getting the upper hand at the finish while Blu Moon remained consistent to take fourth.
By the start of the third race the wind was beginning to decrease and on the start line there was a collision between ITA730 Eta Beta, helmed by Javier Alberto and ITA122 Provincia di Cagliarim helmed by Lorenzo Gemini. Despite their collision Eta Beta crossed the finish line in 12th place. It was Luca Valerio at the helm of ITA722 Alina who put in the best performance in race three, winning from Blu Moon in second with Carlo Fracassoli helming ITA716 Saetta third and Andrea Racchelli helming ITA735 Altea fourth. Sadly for Uka Uka Racing this was not a great race and they finished in ninth place.
In the overall standings after three races Blu Moon leads Uka Uka Racing with Fantastica third, Alina fourth and All In fifth.
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