22-strong J/70 fleet to take to the starting line in Alcatel J/70 Cup

by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on 2 Jun 2016 A 22-strong fleet of J/70 one-design boats is scheduled to take to the starting line tomorrow as racing gets underway in the first edition of the Alcatel J/70 Cup to be held at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS).

Taking place from third to 5th June, the event is the third leg of the Italian J/70 class circuit and marks the fleet's inaugural visit to Porto Cervo but certainly not their last, given that the class World Championship will take place at the YCCS in 2017.

Naturally the scratch list is dominated by Italian teams, however several crews from the Principality of Monaco are also participating alongside Russia's New Territories. Among the Italian crews to watch are current circuit leader Franco Solerio with his L'elagain together with his closest rivals on the overall leaderboard Alberto Rossi on Enfant Terrible, and Carlo Alberini with his Calvi Network.

Also in the spotlight will be Giacomo Loro Piana on Mary J, Stefano Bonadeo on Mary Lou and Franco Loro Piana on Jamming, all of whom fly the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda colours and form, together with Nicola Savoini, the Positive Vibration Sailing Team. With a new fleet of J/70 yachts acquired in 2015 and several team racing and interclub events in programme over the 2016 season, the YCCS clearly sees a strong future for this fast-growing class.

Proceedings for the 22 participating owners and crews kick off this evening with a welcome cocktail at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda while the first signal for racing is scheduled for 12 noon tomorrow, Friday 3rd June. The forecast is for 15 to 18 knots of westerly breeze.