44Cup World Championship 2023: Thrilling Yacht Racing in Brunnen, Switzerland
44Cup World Championship in Brunnen, Switzerland – Day 3
21-25 August 2024
Lake Uri (Lucerne) presented varied conditions for the penultimate day of the 44Cup World Championship held in Brunnen, Switzerland. Following two days of lively sea breezes, Saturday began with two races in light northerly winds under 10 knots before a sudden wind lull occurred.
The fleet of nine RC44s was called ashore, but as the day seemed to conclude, a strong southerly wind filled in. PRO Maria Torrijo made the decision to send the fleet back onto the race course, which welcomed winds exceeding 20 knots and white caps. The wind direction was complex, coming diagonally from between the giant Gitschen and Wissigstock mountains.
In the first two races, boats that gained an early lead had the advantage. Torbjörn Törnqvist’s Artemis Racing secured victory in the first race, emerging from the start in a strong position and expertly defending their lead to finish first.
Törnqvist reflected, “I think we were in control all the way. We could choose our lanes. It was more or less flawless.” Even though he had not previously visited Lake Uri/Lucerne, he expressed enthusiasm for the location, advocating for more events in this beautiful setting.
In the second race, Aleph Racing showcased exceptional tactics by heading to the right side and managed to secure their first win of the championship. Tactician Michele Ivaldi shared insights on their strategy, noting, “We found a nice gap on the way out on port and once established, we pointed directly at the top mark.”
Pietro Loro Piana, standing in for Aleph Racing’s regular owner-driver Hugues Lepic, shared his admiration for the venue’s beauty, emphasizing its stunning nature while acknowledging the unpredictability of the wind.
As the northerly winds died down and the fleet returned into the lively southerly, Aleph Racing continued their momentum. In the day’s third race, they demonstrated adaptability despite changing conditions, ultimately outmaneuvering competitors to secure another win.
Ivaldi remarked on the fluctuating winds and strategic decisions made during the race. Their two victories lifted Aleph Racing to third place overall, putting them in close proximity to the podium, while Igor Lah’s Team CEEREF Vaider and Team Nika are now tied on points, adding excitement for the final day of competition.
To ensure at least three races are held tomorrow, the start time has been advanced to 11:00 AM.
2024 44Cup World Championship Brunnen: (after eight races)
1. Team CEEREF Vaider – 1 4 9 1 3 2 5 3 – 28pts
2. Team Nika – 2 1 8 2 2 3 8 2 – 28pts
3. Aleph Racing – 7 2 4 4 6 7 1 1 – 32pts
4. Black Star Sailing Team – 3 6 1 3 9 5 2 6 – 35pts
5. Charisma – 6 3 3 6 5 9 3 5 – 40pts
6. Peninsula Racing – 4 7 6 7 1 6 4 7 – 42pts
7. Artemis Racing – 8 8 2 9 4 1 7 9 – 48pts
8. Team Aqua – 5 9 5 8 8 4 6 4 – 49pts
9. Calero Sailing Team – 9 5 7 5 7 8 9 8 – 58pts
2024 44Cup Overall Ranking: (after three events)
1. Team Nika – 1 2 7 – 10pts
2. Artemis Racing – 8 1 2 – 11pts
3. Team CEEREF Vaider – 2 4 6 – 12pts
4. Aleph Racing – 5 5 3 – 13pts
5. Charisma – 6 7 1 – 14pts
6. Peninsula Racing – 3 6 5 – 14pts
7. Team Aqua – 4 8 4 – 16pts
8. Black Star Sailing Team – 7 3 8 – 18pts
9. Calero Sailing Team – 9 9 10 – 28pts
Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.