52 Super Series – Azzurra victorious in Valencia

by Giuliano Luzzatto on 23 Sep 2012 In Valencia, the boat flying the burgee of Yacht Club Costa Smeralda won the prestigious 52 Super Series, the most important monohull racing circuit, and claimed the 2012 Audi Valencia Cup.

Audi Azzurra Sailing Team took to the water today, knowing that it would have been enough just to cross the finish line in order to claim victory in the most competitive monohull racing circuit. Still, they didn't stop there, taking second place behind Ràn, which allowed them to comfortably win the Audi Valencia Cup. Azzurra hit the starting line in good position and then secured second place with relative ease, completing thus her mission. Once back to Port America’s Cup, Azzurra's crew celebrated with champagne and dives in the water, more or less voluntary.

Riccardo Bonadeo, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Commodore: 'With this victory in the 52 Super Series Azzurra's name returns to the pinnacle of world yachting. I recall with pleasure that the boat's godmother was, as tradition calls, the Princess Zahra Khan, who vigorously smashed the bottle on the boat, on her first try. For Yacht Club Costa Smeralda this is a great encouragement to start the new season in the best way, as early as January in Key West, but also to propose a future Caribbean TP52 event held in our new Clubhouse in Virgin Gorda, that has already successfully hosted a number of Superyacht races. I would like to thank all those that made this victory possible, above all our club member Alberto Roemmers and Audi, our partner since the beginning of our project. I also welcome in Costa Smeralda all 52 Super Series competitors for the 2013 season closing event, the historic Week of the Straits.'

Guillermo Parada's, skipper of Azzurra, words during the prize-giving ceremony were particularly touching: 'I wish to thank all those that worked so hard in order to obtain this important victory. In particular, our owner Alberto Roemmers, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for giving us the opportunity to bring back to the pinnacle of sailing a historic name such as Azzurra's and, of course, Audi, our partner in these two seasons. I would also like to direct a thought to our adversaries on Quantum, I know their mindset because in the past we found ourselves in their position. It's precisely because we know well their merit that we feel so strongly the importance of this victory.

Parada's thoughts were shared by Vasco Vascotto: 'Obviously, I would like to thank everybody, the Roemmers family, the YCCS and Audi. It felt so nice winning right here in Valencia, I hope this city continues to be the world capital of sailing for what its port represented during the best America's Cup ever. As I said yesterday, sport is made of great happiness but also of moments of suffering for those that didn't win, so you need to remember the past losses to fully enjoy today's victory. Next season will see us starting with the usual humility and awareness of our adversaries force. This is what sport is about.'

Audi Valencia Cup:

1 Audi Azzurra Sailing Team 15pts
2 Audi Sailing Team powered by All4One 22pts
3 Rán 25pts
4 Quantum Racing 26pts
5 Gladiator 32pts

52 Super Series final results:

1 Audi Azzurra Sailing Team ITA 74.5pts
2 Quantum Racing USA 79.5pts
3 Rán Racing SWE 94.5pts
4 Gladiator GBR 125pts
5 Audi Sailing Team powered by All4One GER 132.5 pts Azzurra website