SUI-224, Marazzi and his crew in Torbole. Image copyright Roberto Vuilleumier, www.promovideo.tv
by Thierry Huguenin
A fleet of thirty boats gathered on Lake Garda from the 6th to the 10th of September to compete in the 2010 5.5 Metre World Championship.
The Race Committee of Circolo Vela Torbole did an excellent job in staging the seven races that were on the schedules. Winds conditions and ambience were fantastic.
Swiss Olympic Star sailor Flavio Marazzi together with his crew consisting of Aussie sailor Andrew Palfrey and Swiss boat builder Christof Wilke dominated the championship and took the first place overall with a total of 13 points and one race to spare. With this victory, Marazzi captured his fifth World Champion Title in the 5.5 Class.
“First I would like to thank my crew who did a fantastic job. They both worked very hard to make these good results happen.” said Flavio Marazzi.
“Andrew brought a lot of experience into the team, sailing with the Star and just lately winning the Etchells Worlds with John Bertrand. He's the one who could help me focus on my job that is making the boat as fast as possible.” explained Marazzi and “Christof just knows everything about the 5.5m and could help us to prepare a perfect setup for Torbole. It's always amazing how much he cares about all the details. This will help in critical situations when everything has to work just well to win the race.” he added.
“It was a great week sailing together with my crew and against the best 5.5m sailors in the world. Winning is always nice but spending a good week with friends in Torbole is just great.” concluded Flavio.
Finishing in second position, 2010 Scandinavian Gold Cup winner, Norwegian Kristian Nergaard with a total of 21 points net and in third position Finnish sailor Kenneth Thelen totalizing 28 points net.
Bahamian McKinney was the first non-European boat in fifth place overall.
German Andreas Christiansen won the Evolution division and placed 15th overall. The Classic division first place went to Italian Alfredo Delli, 20th overall.
Next year 5.5m World Championship will take place in Helsinki, Finland end of July, beginning of August.
5.5 Metres
