Young Azzurra dominates Grand Prix 2, winning both acts
by 69F Sailing 23 Jul 2021 00:08 NZST
15-17 July 2021
Young Azzurra - Grand Prix 2.2 Persico 69F Cup © Gianluca Di Fazio / 69F Media
The Persico 69F Class just completed two intense weeks of racing in Porto Cervo to conclude Grand Prix 2 in the Persico 69F Cup circuit.
July 2021 also marks the first full year of racing for the new class, which has now completed 12 events, 156 races, commissioned 25 new boats and introduced 237 new sailors to foiling.
Dede De Luca, 69F Sailing Director: "A year has passed since the first race, but we have the impression that several years have passed, given all that we have done! Seeing the level of the teams grow together with the number of boats gives us a lot of enthusiasm and great satisfaction. We could never have imagined getting here in such a short time. Congratulations to all the 69F Team".
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda also celebrates their home team, Young Azzurra, who won both the Grand Prix 2.1 and 2.2 to win the event outright and take the lead in the championship. For Young Azzurra's Skipper Ettore Botticini, it was a great success: "It was an intense two weeks for Young Azzurra; winning both GPs at home was a challenge, but that's what we wanted. After these tests in Porto Cervo, we have certainly understood how to get the best from the boat".
Federico Colaninno, Flight Controller: "The physical effort was considerable, especially during the many windy days. Our focus is now on Limone for the Youth Foiling Gold Cup where we will line up against the crews we raced in Gaeta".
YCCS Commodore, Michael Illbruck is also very satisfied: "We're obviously delighted with Young Azzurra's result and just as happy with these two weeks of foiling, the first time we have hosted a foiling event in the Costa Smeralda. Sailing on these boats in certain weather and wave conditions is challenging, and racing on these waters has provided excellent competition for all the participating teams. My thanks go to the 69F Team, the crews, our team and staff, and we hope to see the Persico 69F boats on our waters again soon!"
Olympians Noè Delpech and Julien d'Ortoli from team Groupe My Ambition showed the extent of their ambition and their experience in the 49er skiff to push Young Azzurra and take second place in the regatta. This incredible result, obtained after only a few days of testing on the boat, demonstrates that while foiling is new, experienced sailors can translate their previous experience in high-performance boats to be competitive in the new fleet.
Julien D'Ortoli: "At the beginning, it was hard then, little by little, we started to become familiar with the boat. We worked hard in the first tests but we didn't get good results. In the last two races, something changed, and we managed to secure two first places".
Noè Delpech is also enthusiastic about the 69F format: "The Persico 69F is a fantastic boat, very fast and super fun. Unfortunately, we don't have much experience onboard yet, but we tried to do our best".
The next 69F appointment will be in mid-August with the second act of the Youth Foiling Gold Cup, dedicated to young international sailors under 25 who will compete on the waters of Limone Sul Garda from 13 to 26 August.
Final ranking Persico 69F Cup GP 2.1: (5 July - 10 July 2021)
84,5 Young Azzurra
71,0 Okalys Youth Project
61,0 Flyingnikka 74
59,0 Sailing Performance
57,5 Flyingnikka 74
34,0 Magenta
33,5 Fly Marga
28,5 Tixwave
Final ranking Persico 69F Cup GP 2.2: (12 July - 17 July 2021)
112,5 Young Azzurra
90,0 Groupe My Ambition
88,0 Sailing Performance
81,0 Balthasar
61,5 Okalys Youth Project
56,0 Tixwave
54,5 Section 16
47,5 Goatpower By Ulika
44.0 SDS Swiss Dental Solutions
Overall Persico 69F Cup 2021 Ranking: (top ten teams)
1. Young Azzurra - 30 pt
2. Okalys Youth Project - 28 pt
3. Flyingnikka 47 - 26 pt
4. Flyingnikka 74 - 25 pt
4. Balthasar - 25 pt
6. Tixwave - 23 pt
7. Fly Marga - 20 pt
8. SDS Swiss Dental Solutions - 18 pt
8. Section 16 - 18 pt
10. Fantastica 2 - 15 pt