GC32 victory in the event for Alinghi and a title defended
by Alinghi 8 Nov 2021 20:39 AEDT
Alinghi - GC32 Racing Tour champions again - left to right: Nicolas Charbonnier, Yves Detrey, Timothe Lapauw, Bryan Mettraux and Arnaud Psarofaghis © Sailing Energy / GC32 Racing Tour
A double for Alinghi, who won the last event on the circuit and defended their title of Champion of the GC32 Racing Tour, earned for the very first time in 2019 (a fallow year in 2020).
From November 4 to 7, the Mar Menor (Spain) welcomed the fleet of 32-foot foilers for their last meeting of the year. Ten races were validated under various conditions. The standings were tight until the 7th, after which Alinghi took off.
The Swiss team, Black Star, and the Austrians from Red Bull completed the podium of the event.
In the annual general classification, Red Bull takes 2nd place, with Black Star 3rd.
Zoulou, led by Erik Maris, was 4th and wins the "owner driver" classification.
Ernesto Bertarelli:
"Well done the team! I am delighted with this new championship victory. This confirms the title won in 2019 and shows our level and commitment.
"Congratulations to all the other teams who gave us more and more problems. I also pay special attention to Erik Maris, the only owner driver to have entered all races this year and who has even won a few!
"Our sporting season is coming to an end. 2021 also marked the official launch of the TF35 Trophy, run over seven events on Lake Geneva and at sea, and I am already looking forward to the 2022 season."
Arnaud Psarofaghis:
"Our goal was to win the GC32 season, as well as every event. We finished second in one of the regattas, tied on points with the first, Red Bull, last September, so overall we can be satisfied.
"We have been consistent at the top of the table, patient when needed and the team knows how to come out on top at key moments. We also have the advantage of a close-knit team, which has worked together for a long time and is competent in all areas.
"Here at Mar Menor, I loved the third windy day. We didn't start off very well, but by winning the last two heats we took the advantage at a decisive moment. This is the result of hard work over the course of several years."
Nils Frei:
"The team raced very well technically and tactically. After savouring this new victory, we will work again to find improvements.
"When you win, it's important not to rest on your laurels.
After we dominated the first regatta in Lagos, the other teams kept maturing and at the end of the season each team could win heats under their preferred conditions. One of our strengths is versatility and we look forward to focusing on continuing to improve."
By the time the championships resume in 2022, and with hope that other teams join those already competing, the team will train in GC32 and fine-tune the optimisation of the TF35... without forgetting to hit a few ski slopes ;-)
General classification after 10 races - GC32 Mar Menor Cup (4th and last round of the annual championship)
1st - Alinghi: 20pts
2nd - Black Star Sailing Team: 27pts
3rd - Red Bull Sailing Team: 28pts
4th - Zoulou: 38pts
5th - Team Rockwool Racing: 42pts
6th - Argo: 55pts