Alinghi D35 racing on Lake Geneva. Image copyright Philippe Schiller/www.myimage.ch
by Paco Latorre
The Décision 35 season has started on Lake Geneva with a weekend that was short of wind but saw Alinghi finish in a close second position, behind race newcomers, CER. Six races in total were sailed over three days for the first round of the 2011 Vulcain Trophy, including the first day’s coastal race from Rolle to Geneva and a handful of hotly contested short fleet races in front of the SNG club facilities.
Building up on the third position of Friday, Alinghi won one race and were never out of the top three on Saturday, entering the final day with everything to fight for and firmly in contention for the overall victory in the final day. Unfortunately only one race got underway due to the wind conditions and it didn’t in Alinghi’s favour. The team ended the Grand Prix Les Ambassadeurs par le Beau-Rivage Palace just one point behind the winners but content with second position and the team’s performance in this season opener.
"Overall the weekend went quite well", commented Pierre-Yves Jorand. "We are satisfied with our second position, just one point behind the leader, especially as the victory was decided on one single jibe. CER has made an outstanding debut, being very consistent, fast and putting in very good starts. We are looking forward to going toe-to-toe with them throughout the championship."
Alinghi
Vulcain Trophy
