69F Cup Europe 2023: The open circuit for the only One-Design, Foiling Monohull for crew
by 69F Sailing 25 Mar 2023 04:18 PDT
From April 25, 2023
Less than a month to the start of 69F Sailing European season in Valencia, Spain, with Valencia Mar Sailing Week
Just over a month to go before the official start of the European season of 69F, the only open circuit for one-design, foiling monohull for crew. The 69F Cup, a series of six regattas around the Mediterranean and lakes, will kick off as it did in 2022, right from Valencia, the unforgettable home of the iconic 32nd America's Cup, appreciated by all sailing teams for its fantastic conditions.
The Valencia Mar 69F Cup will start on April 25th with two days of warm-ups, real on-water training sessions assisted by the 69F shore team, so that even those new to sailing or foiling can gain edge over the more experienced, and for those who take advantage of the 'pay-per-play' formula can warm-up their engines. From April 27th to 30th it will be time for real competition with up to six races a day, managed on the water by a team of super experts, such as Race Director Dede De Luca, PRO David Bartol and umpires Marco Mercuriali and David Maria Gosalbez.
After Valencia, the season will continue with five more events: from May 29th to June 3rd on Lake Molveno, just north of Lake Garda; from June 26th to July 1st in Malcesine, on Lake Garda, during th Foiling Week 2023; then in Portoroz, Slovenia, from July 25th to the 30th; at the end of the summer it will return to Sardinia, in Puntaldia, from September 19th to 24th; and there will be a final leg in October yet to be determined.
The 69F European season starts after months of back-office work and regattas in the U.S. Florida has proven to be an excellent race course for the 7-meter foiling monohulls, and many, including European teams, have appreciated being able to continue racing in the winter.
On the old continent, work is being done on the development of new partnerships, such as with North Sails, which will be the official sailmaker of 69F from this year on; with Vakaros, instruments to support navigation and the race committee by being able to check the OCSs live; and with several America's Cup teams, which will use 69F as a platform for training and selection of women's and youth teams.
The 69F class elected its new president, Silvia Sicouri, at its annual meeting. A incredible sailing career is not the only thing that makes Silvia a reliable president. A multiple medalist in the Italian 49er FX Championship and winner of the ISAF Sailing World Cup for several years, she represented Italy at the 2016 RIO Olympic Games in Nacra17 with Vittorio Bissaro. But she also holds a degree and diploma from the Milan Polytechnic and has several important work experiences in the field of sustainable energy, where she currently works. In addition to these achievements, Silvia shares some core human values with 69F that we are sure will contribute to a bright future for the class: she is determined, forward-thinking, and inclusive.
Before hitting the water, the 69F will participate to the Foiling Awards, on March 29th in Milan, as it is among the nominees for the best foiling event of 2022, with other excellent happenings, such as SailGP, iQFOiL Worlds, The Ocean Race, GC32 Racing Tour and six other top events.
The only open circuit for one-design, foiling monohull for crew is ready to touch the European waters in the last week of April in Valencia, Spain, bringing foiling to everyone.