by Jürg Kaufmann
With Flavio Marazzi at the helm, Marwin Sailing Team's high-tech GC32 catamaran dominated a fleet of more than 120 boats in one of Switzerland's iconic and traditional races, after spectacular boat christening with former Miss Switzerland Jenny Ann Gerber. Thanks to a combination of clever tactics and remarkable boat speed, it took 3 hours and 22 minutes for the spectacular catamaran to sail from Zurich to Rapperswil despite the extremely light and challenging conditions.
Organized by the Zürcher Segel Club, the lake race from Zurich to Rapperswil, or Züri-Rappi as the locals call it, is more than a simple regatta. It's one of Switzerland's most popular long-distance races.
boat christening with former Miss Switzerland Jenny Ann Gerber. Image copyright Jürg Kaufmann/JuergKaufmann.com
The 2013 sailing season for Marwin Sailing Team got off to a great start on Lake Traunsee in Austria, and this weekend the GC32 catamaran clearly dominated the fleet and took line honors. The victory was the result of excellent tactical calls and the GC32's notable speed in different conditions. The start of the race was given under a complete lull and the fleet struggled to find even the smallest puff. Crews were constantly on the hunt for that elusive dark patch on the lake's surface.
Marwin Sailing Team got the upper hand by sticking close to the shore as dozens of boats got stuck in the dying breeze in the middle of the lake. In the final stretch to the finish line, the GC32 reached its top speed of 19 knots, more than 2 times the true wind speed. Despite this being the team's second regatta, crew coordination and boat handling improve by leaps and bounds, setting the foundations for a season that will include a number of record-breaking attempts.
The next challenge for Marwin Sailing Team is coming up shortly, from May 30th to June 2nd in Lindau, Germany. Flavio Marazzi and his team will compete at the Rund um Bodensee on Lake Constance and Marwin Sailing Team will aim at taking line honors once again and, if conditions are favorable, breaking the current race record.
Marwin Sailing Team
