Azzurra. Image copyright Stefano Gattini/Azzurra.
by Jill Campbell
Final preparations are underway for the third event of the Louis Vuitton Trophy scheduled to be held in La Maddalena, Sardinia from 22nd May to 6th June 2010. The event represents another significant step in the work the team, flying the burgee of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, has undertaken in recent months. Since the previous event in Auckland, Azzurra has participated in several match races regattas, including the Congressional Cup where they took victory, as well as a training session on America’s Cup Class boats in Valencia.
Preparations are not only in course at sea however, as the complex logistics of managing a sports team of this level also require careful planning on dry land. With this in mind the agreement reached with Audi, a partner of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for several seasons, represents an important development for the team. The renowned German manufacturer has been present on the international sailing scene for many years, supporting the established Audi MedCup circuit for the TP52 and GP42 classes, and in 2010 is Title Sponsor of two major events on the YCCS sporting calendar: the ISAF Offshore Team World Championship - Audi Sardinia Cup and the Audi Invitational Melges 32.
Audi and yachts. Image copyright Stefano Gattini/Azzurra.
Riccardo Bonadeo, Commodore of the YCCS and President of Azzurra, commented: “The partnership with Azzurra is a natural progression from the long and productive association that exists between this distinguished automotive company and our yacht club. Audi simply had to be present at the Louis Vuitton Trophy event held on our home waters against the wonderful backdrop of the Costa Smeralda which boasts one of the most spectacular and challenging regatta courses in the world. The Audi brand has always been synonymous with style and excellence, an image that fits perfectly with a sporting team of the calibre of Azzurra.”
Azzurra
