Scandinavian Gold Cup - Markus Weiser (GER) wins in Tuscany

by Tessa Wiechmann on 19 Sep 2014 The 70th Scandinavian Gold Cup, the international regatta reserved to the 5.5 Metre International Class, came to a close on Thursday 18 September in Porto Santo Stefano, Italy. First place for Markus Weiser (GER) on Mission Possible. Second Swiss Jurg Menzi on Marie Francoise XVIII and third Norwegian Kristian Nergaard on Artemis XIV. The race was organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in collaboration with the Italian chapter of the 5.5m international class.

World-class racing continues in Porto Santo Stefano with the Classic Cup and the Evolution Cup leading up to the 5.5m World Championship 2014 (21-26 September 2014), also taking place in Maremma’s pristine waters. 38 boats from nine countries have entered the regatta and sailors from Austria, Bahamas, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Italy will be racing off the coast of the Argentario and the National Park of Maremma.

The 5.5m World Championship Schedule - On Sunday 21 September at 6.30 p.m. the Opening Ceremony will be held at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano Club House. On Monday, after the skippers briefing, the forty crews will leave the docks in time for the first warning signal scheduled for 11.30 a.m. Racing continues until Friday, September 26. The World Championship awards ceremony will be held at the ancient Fortress of Porto Santo Stefano on Friday late afternoon.

The International 5.5 Metre Class was born in England in 1949 and was Olympic class from 1952 until 1968. Sailing with a crew of three, the 5.5m is still very popular both in Italy and abroad. The 5.5m IC World Fleet Online Database estimates that approximately 800 boats have been built around the World. The Class is divided into three divisions: Classic (designs before 1970), Evolution and Modern (designs from 1994).

Scandinavian Gold Cup is held annually for 5.5 metre yachts. One challenge only will be accepted from each country and with one yacht only, entered by the National Authority of the respective country. The winner of the previous year, the temporary holder of the Cup, may defend the Cup, even if there is another yacht from the same country. Despite its name, it has been an international competition almost through its entire history, and participating is not limited to Scandinavian nations. The event has been held every year since 1919 (with exception of 1920 and 1940–46) making it one of the oldest active sailing trophies. In the Scandinavian Gold Cup, the first boat to win three races is the winner.

After three races, a boat that has not won a single race no longer can compete. The competition shall be sailed in the week before that year’s World Championship races at the same place. The last edition of the regatta to take place in Italy was in 2010 at Torbole sul Garda.

The World Championship of the International 5.5 Metre Class is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano, with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, and the Municipality of Monte Argentario and with the support of the Pro Loco of Porto Santo Stefano.
YCCS
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