DIMIRTI NICOLOPOULOS REPORTS FROM THE CASSIS CUP

Last friday, the second of the Mediterranean Melges circuit race (after Primo Cup and just before SNIM in Marseille) took place in the beautiful location of Cassis, near Marseille. 24 boats from 5 different countries (Belgium, Italy, Finland, France, Monaco & UK) were registered featuring good level teams like the Italians from Ale Ali, Citta di Cesenaticco and Altea, the French with Eurovoile, Flor Direct, Snugasabug and Chaloupa II from Monaco.

Friday racing was fairly windy with south-esterlies blowing at about 20kts and rough seas. The left side, closer to the big cliffs of 'Cap Canaille'was favored so the game was to get a good start, hike hard and stear through the waves. After one day, Citta di Cesenatico was first, Snugasabug second and Chaloupa 3rd. Some boats didn't come out of the day unscathed. Flor Direct broke its tiller, and Silvelox the rib of one crewmember!

The Saturday offered very similar weather conditions and the 24 boats enjoyed three races with two boats coming out in front after discarding the worst race, Citta di Cesenatico scored a 1,1,2,2,2 with a lead of 2 points over Snugasabug scoring 1,1,2,3,3 the 3rd,4th and 5th place were closely contested as well since only 3 points separating Chaloupa II, Altea and Eurovoile.

The third and final racing day offered very different conditions, light southerly winds. The first race was finaly abandonned when the wind disappeared for more than half an hour during the run. The wind came back (again!) from the south-east but only blowing 5-10kts. Once again the left side was favoured and Citta di Cesenatico match raced efficiently Snugasabug to secure a the final victory. Eurovoile, coming from behind managed to climb to the third place.

During this long weekend, the Mumm 30 and the IC 45 were racing as well and the ground organization by CN Cassis
was outstanding.

1. Citta di Cesenatico 11 pts, Edigio BABBI

2. Snugasabug 15 pts, Dimitri NICOLOPOULOS / Sylvain MIZZI

3. Eurovoiles 29 pts, Denis INFANTE / Jacques DI RUSSO

4. Altea 30 pts, Andrea RACHELLI

5. Chaloupa II 30 pts, Antoine FRICKEY

Full ranking can be find at www.port-cassis.com

Dimitri Nicolopoulos