Record Entry For Melges 24 Swiss Open 2010
From 01. - 03. October the Swiss Melges24 Class held their Swiss Open at Luino, Lago Maggiore. The idea to organize a joint event “Coppa Lino Favini” & “Swiss Open 2010” was very well accepted by the sailors which has been proved by a record entry of 32 teams.
Nearly all Italian Top-Teams showed up to fight for the title and to pick up points for the IMCA World Ranking 2010. 18 teams from Italy met 6 boats from Switzerland, 3 boats from Germany, 2 boats from Denmark (!), 2 boats from the Netherlands and finally 1 boat from Austria.
Due to the covered skies the thermical wind couldn’t develop as strong as normal but the experienced race-committee was able to sail 7 races in medium to light winds.
From the beginning “the homeboys” made all efforts to keep the title in their club. “Gullisara” (ITA 803) helmed by Carlo Fraccasoli and Flavio Favini helming “Blue Moon” (SUI 782) are members of the organizing club AVAV, Luino.
After 7 races these two crews took place 1 and 2 with “Gullisara” on the happy side having a 7 point lead on “Blu Moon” - 3rd place went to ITA 716 “Saetta” helmed by Niccolo Bianchi.
Best Cortinthian Crew was ITA 682 “Dumbo” helmed by Giovanni Debiasi finishing in 8th place.
The competitors enjoyed a well organized event with a good race-committee and very active on-water-judging.
The social program was nice as well. Free drinks and local food were served every day - even after the price giving.
The Swiss class has held their AGM on Friday night and due to the big efforts AVAV has made for this year there was suggested to continue in 2011 with the same set-up regarding the Swiss Open.
Many thanks to the hosting club and it’s members for organizing the event. Especially to mention Flavio Favini who was heavily working to make the stay at Luino for all sailors as convenient as possible.
Guenter Tzeschlock / October 4, 2010