Team Tilt beats rival Norauto after intense race at GC32 Malcesine Cup

by Team Tilt Sailing on 10 Jul 2016 Team Tilt, led by Arnaud Psarofaghis, won the second stage of the GC32 Racing Tour in Malcesine on Lake Garda in Italy this weekend by just one point over closest rival Norauto (Franck Cammas). Gunvor Sailing completed the podium in third place. Conditions proved challenging for the 10-strong foiling fleet with just nine races completed over the course of Thursday and Friday. There was no racing on Saturday or Sunday.

With Sebastien Schneiter and Lucien Cujean away in Rio de Janeiro for a final training session on the 49er, Team Tilt rotated in young squad members who are training for the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. Arthur Cevey was bowman for the event, while Jeremy Bachelin trimmed the foils and Jocelyn Keller was on standby. They slotted in very quickly with the rest of the crew and were well supported by helmsman Arnaud Psarofaghis (on loan from Alinghi), mainsail trimmer, Glenn Ashby (skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand) and Bryan Mettraux.

“To finish ahead of these big teams is a really good result for us!” said Glenn Ashby. “The team manages the boat very well; their Decision 35 experience really paid off here. Jeremy and Arthur did a good job standing in for Sebastien Schneiter and Lucien Cujean. We used the gennaker a lot more in Malcesine than Riva creating a lot more work for all the teams which went well for us. We improved our starts after Thursday and tactically we were strong – all of this added up to a victory this weekend!”

Skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis added his insight: “We fought hard against Norauto during the first two days of the event and were more aggressive than Franck Cammas and his team with our strategic decisions. We managed to control them during the final race on Friday which allowed us to win a few points and finish ahead! It is very positive that Team Tilt was able to perform so well with two new crew members on board and very little time to train with the new configuration.”

Bryan Mettraux agreed: “Arthur and Jeremy got up to speed very quickly and the crew dynamic was very good. I am delighted with this victory, it is excellent. Everyone is happy to be a part of this project and to be moving it forward. It was an excellent regatta!”

Team Tilt had the chance to be supported by Julius Baer and Jiva Hill guests this weekend, that followed the exciting races in Malcesine.

With a second place at the opening event of the GC32 Racing Tour in Riva at the end of May and a first place in Malcesine, Team Tilt is leading the championship! The squad will continue to integrate youth sailors on the foiling catamaran at the next event in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, from the 3-6 August and will hope for continued good performance!

Results GC32 Malcesine:
1 Team Tilt 18 : 1 3 5 1 2 1 1 2 2
2 NORAUTO 19 : 3 1 1 3 1 2 2 5 1
3 Gunvor Sailing 32 : 2 2 4 5 7 3 4 1 4
4 Argo 40 : 6 4 2 2 4 5 7 4 6
5 Malizia - Yacht Club de Monaco 46 : 4 5 7 4 3 9 6 3 5
6 ARMIN STROM Sailing Team 60 : 5 7 6 10 10 8 3 8 3
7 Mamma Aiuto! 64 : 10 8 3 7 7 7 8 6 8
8 Team ENGIE 65 : 9 9 9 6 5 4 5 7 DNF
9 Realteam 78 : 8 6 10 9 9 6 10 9 DNF
10 Orange Racing 79 : 7 10 8 8 10 10 9 10 7