J/112E wins Class at 151 Miglia Race-Trofeo Cetilar!

Vera crosses ahead of Pendragon VI en route to the 151 Miglia-Trofeo Cetilar finish line © Studio Taccola

The 9th 151 Miglia Race- Trofeo Cetilar- has been described as a new, true classic, by its regatta organizers - a Committee formed by YC Punta Ala, YC Maritime Republic of Pisa and YC Livorno.

According to their race circular, "it's a race open to all, designed to enhance the strategic qualities of the participating crews. But also, and above all, to experience emotions that only passion, sport and the sea can generate. A regatta designed by sailors, for sailors, which brings with it all the power of the sea and the wind.

The race starts in the waters between Livorno and Marina di Pisa, then round the famous Giraglia Rock and navigate through the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. A route with two choices for courses around the islands, perfect for those who have not yet experienced a great race, and at the same time, intriguing and stimulating for all the experts of longer offshore navigations. Then, finish off the point in Punta Ala.

At the end of the regatta, the final appointment, from 2000 hrs on Saturday 2nd June, was the magnificent Yacht Club Punta Ala Dinner Party, a magnificent closing event that has no equal, made by protagonists for the protagonists, who each year are colored with smiles and enthusiasm!" Lovely hyperbole, isn't it? But, it's true, according to the sailors who've done the race over the years. It may be the awards ceremony/ dinner in Punta Ala that keeps them coming back- a concert, fireworks, dinner on the lawn overlooking the water, what's not to love about it?!

There were a half-dozen J/Teams that sailed the event, loving every minute of it, some more than others.

In the IRC Class of sixty-eight boats, it was the breathtaking performance of a "sport cruiser", the J/112E JACARE that astounded the cognoscenti of Italian racers. Sailed by her owner Sabrina Chibbaro and friend Dario Badalamenti, they not only won IRC 2 Class by a comfortable margin, but also took 5th IRC Overall in the race.

According to Sabrina, "as our first serious race, last weekend we took part to one of the most popular coastal races in Italy, the 151 Miglia. We were first in IRC 2 and fifth IRC overall. We fought hard with the JPK 10.80 with the Russian crew that won the Rolex Middle Sea Race! But, eventually, we arrived 1 hour before them to win easily. It was very exciting for us! Many people came to see the boat at the dock, they couldn't believe a 'sport cruiser" won!"

In addition to their outstanding performance, there was an ORC Class with 129 boats racing. In ORC 1 Class, the J/122 VAI MO sailed by Vincenzo de Falco took 6th in class and 19th ORC Overall. And, in the ORC Doublehanded Class, the famous J/111 J-STORM, with brothers Guido & Enrico Tabellini from Club Nautico Varrazze aboard, took 4th in DH Class, 29th Overall against all full-crewed boats!

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