Farr 40 European Circuit. Photo Andrea Nissardi/Smeralpress.
by Jill Campbell
Massimo Mezzaroma’s Nerone continues to lead the Farr 40 fleet competing in the first leg of the Farr 40 European Circuit underway in Porto Cervo and due to conclude tomorrow, 27th June. With three races run the Italian crew, with America’s Cup sailor Vasco Vascotto calling tactics, leads with a five point delta over second-placed Plenty, owned by Alexander Roepers. Former class World Champion Jim Richardson sits in third place with his Barking Mad.
Race two of the series started on schedule at 12 midday in approximately 10 knots of northerly breeze from 010°. Nerone had a good start and was followed around the first leeward gate by Germany’s Struntje Light and Plenty. All three held their positions throughout leaving Nerone with her second consecutive bullet.
Race three saw Barking Mad, with Hamish Pepper on tactics, take the start and lead for the duration. Nerone gained ground during the final two legs to finish second ahead of Charisma, owned by Nico Poons.
Chris Larson, tactician on Plenty, commented on the crew’s performance so far: “Today we faced light winds like yesterday. Our goal in both of today’s races was to arrive in the top four and we were able to do that. The team is sailing well and getting off the line fairly consistently. The guys winning the races are the same ones winning the pin end and taking a hard left, it’s a high risk – high reward strategy and we are sailing more conservatively. Our aim is however to be in the top three at the top weather mark and we are achieving that. Tomorrow more light air is predicted, we have a few points to spare from the third placed boat and we will try to be consistent, we don’t intend to change our plan or the way we have been sailing. If we manage to get in two races and Nerone has a bad first race we could be in with a chance but at the minute they are sailing very well and I don’t think they’ll give us much opportunity. We ’ll just keep doing our job and second place will be a good result.”
Racing is scheduled to continue tomorrow, Sunday 27th , at 12 midday with 8 - 10 knots of north easterly wind predicted. The Race Committee will hold as many races as possible.
Additional comment from Vasco Vascotto:
"We have foudn ourselves again after the Worlds victory at Casa de Campo and we are still in good shape" are the words of Vasco Vascotto, tactician on Nerone. "The circuit also acts as good training in preparation for the Sardinia Cup. We won the last edition of that regatta. The low wind strength also serves to test the boat in all conditions."
In Italian: "Ci siamo ritrovati dopo il Mondiale vinto a Casa de Campo e siamo ancora in buona forma - sono le parole di Vasco Vascotto, tattico di Nerone - il circuit funge anche da allenamento in previsione della Sardinia Cup, regata che abbiamo vinto proprio nell'ultima edizione, il poco vento serve anche per testare la barca in tutte le condizioni."
Farr 40 European Circuit - 1st Series
Farr 40 - Summary Results - as of 06/26/10 at 14:28
Place, Boat Name, Helmsman, Owner, Nation, R1-R2-R3-Points
1. NERONE Massimo Mezzaroma Massimo Mezzaroma, ITA,1,1,2, 4.00
2. PLENTY Alexander Roepers Alexander Roepers, USA,2,3,4, 9.00
3. BARKING MAD James B. Richardson James B. Richardson, USA,7,5,1, 13.00
4. STRUNTJE LIGHT Wolfgang Schaefer Wolfgang Schaefer, GER,4,2,7, 13.00
5. ENFANT TERRIBLE Alberto Rossi Deep Water Association, ITA,3,4,6, 13.00
6. FIAMMA Alessandro Barnaba Alessandro Barnaba, ITA,5,6,5, 16.00
7. CHARISMA Nico Poons Nico Poons, MON,6,8,3, 17.00
8. MANGUSTA RISK Andrea Canavesio Andrea Canavesio, ITA,10,7,9, 26.00
9. VANITAS CUBE Martin Strobel Martin Strobel, SUI,8,10,8, 26.00
10. HOOLIGAN VI Edward Brodway Edward Brodway, GBR,9,9,10, 28.00
Vasco Vascotto
YCCS
