Italians do it in style - Rolex OD Trophy

by Sam Crichton on 8 Dec 2007
Day one of the Rolex Trophy One Design Series and current Farr 40 world champion Vincenzo Onorato and his team of Latin rascals showed the Aussies why they are number one in the world.

'The wildcats are still alive,' smiled Onorato after sailing.

Having arrived from Miami earlier this week, the team put in a great performance today with their scorecard at the end of three races 1, 2, 1. It was a two-way tussle between Mascalzone Latino and Ivan Wheen’s Australian team Sputnik, which finished the day in second place on nine points.

'It was tricky sailing today against some very strong teams, Sputnik definitely provided some challenges. The north east breeze with the chop made for hard work but it’s been well worth the trip to Sydney so far,' said Mascalzone Latino’s British tactician Adrian Stead after racing.

Mascalzone Latino led race one from start to finish with Marcus Blackmore’s Hooligan hot on their stern. The last time these two boats faced off was at the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship in Denmark earlier this year.

Race two supplied some terrific surfing action with the nor’east breeze building to 18 knots. Sputnik showed the fleet the way with the Italians in hot pursuit.

'It’s great to be racing against Mascalzone again and our Australian classmates. Today was close racing with everyone on the ball and making the most of the great breeze,' said Sputnik tactician Tom King.

The fleet had a general recall for the last race of the day and all eleven boats hit the start line with the accelerator to the floor. Sputnik and Mascalzone were throwing everything they had at each other as they sailed the two lap windward leeward course with Mascalzone Latino prevailing to take the gun.

Lang Walker’s Kokomo rounds out the top three for the day with the overall points close. Racing continues tomorrow with three races planned and for the Farr 40’s who will be joined by thirteen Sydney 38’s while the M30’s will sail on a separate course.