Italia Telecom wins TJV class 40

by Event media on 27 Nov 2007 On Monday morning at 03 hours 02 minutes and 22 seconds, French hour, Giovanni Soldini and Pietro d' Ali crossed the finishing line of this 8th edition of the Transatlantic race Jacques Vabre as winners in Class 40.

Italia Telecom sailed the course in 22 days 13 hours of race, nearly five hours ahead of Atao Audio System. Arriving in the afternoon to take the final podium position was Monbana Chocolates. Also joining the pontoon at El Salvador de Bahia was Great American III, skippered by RIch Wilson and Mike Birch, in 16th place, the final IMOCA 60 to finish.

Giovanni Soldini is one of Italy's most famous and accomplished offshore sailors. His resume includes the Vendee Globe, BOC Challenge and extensive oceanic multihull racing. Pietro D'Ali was the winner of the last Transat AG2R and a member of Prada during the last America's Cup.

It was your first test in Class 40. Your impressions?

'Class 40 is a super boat, fun to sail and very simple. You can make a boat in five months and then win a race! The budgets are not very big, there is not thus too much pressure and thus you sail! I will remain in Brazil until January then I will return in a convoy. Then, I will go to Great Britain to take part in the OSTAR. Better than to remain six months in a building site,eh? (laughter!)'.

Class 40 - leading finishers:

1. Telecom Italia, Giovanni Soldini / Pietro D/Ali
2. ATAO Audio System, Dominic Vittet / Thierry Chabagny
3. Chocolats Monbana, Damien Grimont / Erwan Le Roux
4. Appart City, Yvan Noblet / Patrick Morvan
5. A.ST Groupe, Marc Emig / Bertrand de Broc