J/70 European Championship 2019 - Preview

J/70 European Championship © Lucchi

Malcesine is gearing up to host the event of the year as more than 130 boats from around the world arrive to participate in the J/70 European Championship.

For the occasion, Fraglia Vela Malcesine and J70 Italian Class have made impressive strides in terms of organization and logistics to provide accommodation to crews from twenty-three countries (including USA and South America), in both club facilities and in the port of Malcesine, thus increasing the number of crews admitted to the event.

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Monday afternoon following the practice race which allows teams to familiarize themselves with the race course. As for the technical program of the Championship, there is a possibility of up to 14 races over the six days of the event, with the first start time set for 1pm on Tuesday 25 June 2019. The Principal Race Officer of the event is Giancarlo Crevatin. He, along with David Bartol, will oversee fleets in the two race fields.

A peak at the entry list

The Italian fleet is the most numerous, with roughly forty boats and a concentration of high-level teams including reigning champion Alberto Rossi's Enfant Terrible. Not to mention major players from the final stages of Italian circuit as Alessandro Zampori's DAS Sailing Team, Calvi Network with Carlo Alberini at the helm and Claudia Rossi's Petite Terrible. Finally, Gianfranco Noè rounding out the list with his White Hawk, which is aiming for Corinthian classification.

Russian, German and Spanish fleets bring a stunning number of shipowners to the Garda, among them the well-known Lera Kovalenko with his Art Tube, Josè Maria Torcida with Noticia and Luis Bugallo's Marnatura for Corinthian ranking. Last, but not in order of importance, the Americans are on the list with Catapult and tactician Victor Diaz de Leon, who is looking for a return to the top after winning the 2017 World Championship in Porto Cervo.

Statement from the organizers

Vittorio Di Mauro, President J/70 Italian Class: "Following the success of the Porto Cervo World Championships in 2017, this is yet another record-breaking event for number of participants, countries represented and the elite level of competition. It highlights the organizational capacity of our association as well as the competitiveness of our members at the international level, shipowners who have brought the continental title to Italy for the last 5 consecutive years. Once again, a unique blend of sailing champions and crew of enthusiasts will have the opportunity to race against the best."

J/70 Italian Class is sponsored for the 2019 season by Henri Lloyd as Official Clothing Partner, and by Armare Ropes, Garmin, Key One, IMAC Technologies, Girmi, Serena Wines and Powerade.

Find entry list here or follow the race on Facebook.