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2024 Scandinavian Gold Cup at Yacht Club de l’Odet in Benodet – Overall
29 August – 7 September 2024
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All three boats finished today’s first race just six seconds apart. Artemis (Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne, and Trond Solli-Saether) crossed the finish line with a narrow lead over Ali Baba (Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi, and Eline Marazzi), while John B (Gavin McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen, and Justin Cunningham) approached rapidly from the opposite direction, managing to clinch the victory by just two seconds.
With Ali Baba and John B both securing two victories each, and Artemis with one, the format of the Scandinavian Gold Cup where the first to achieve three wins made for an exciting competition. The direct competition among the three boats led to strategic match racing tactics, where careful navigation was crucial to stay ahead of the other competitors.
During Race 6, John B and Artemis navigated to the right while Ali Baba lagged behind. However, Artemis’s speed helped them establish a significant lead, extending it up to the finish line. As the race progressed, all three boats ended up tied with two wins each, setting the stage for a decisive final race.
In the nail-biting finale, the two leading boats began the final upwind leg by tacking onto starboard, while Ali Baba opted to split and navigate to the right. This strategic maneuver paid off, allowing Ali Baba to catch the beneficial wind shift and surge ahead, ultimately securing a substantial lead that they maintained until the end.
“We missed out in the first two races today,” shared Flavio Marazzi. “In the last race, Kristian was already leading, so we focused on staying in the game. We capitalized on the right wind shift, which was a stroke of luck for us.” He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming world championship, hoping for better sailing conditions.
Reflecting on their victory, Julie Marazzi expressed her excitement: “Winning is amazing! We came into this not really expecting to win, just wanting to complete the event.” This achievement marks a significant milestone for Eline and Julie, who alongside their father, Flavio, ensured that three generations of the Marazzi family have now held the trophy.
Competing alongside the main event were the older Evolution and Classic boats, preparing for next week’s world championship at the Yacht Club de l’Odet. Two boats stood out during their six-race series, with each team displaying impeccable skill, resulting in wins without any disqualifications. Another Ali Baba, now helmed by former Olympic sailor Wolf-Eberhard Richter, won the Hankø Evolution Cup. The Italian vessel Manuela V also earned top honors in the Royal Haag Classic Cup.
For full results and more details, visit here.
For more information, check out www.yco-voile.fr/5-5-benodet-2024.
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Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.
