44Cup World Championship 2023: Sailing Showdown in Brunnen, Switzerland
44Cup World Championship in Brunnen, Switzerland – Day 2
21-25 August 2024
On day two of the 44Cup World Championship, the nine RC44 teams set out from Brunnen onto the Urnersee section of Lake Uri. Despite a slow start due to a windless condition, the day turned favorable with a steady 15 knots of wind, allowing two races to be completed. A third race was started but ultimately abandoned due to shifting winds.
As it stands halfway through the 2024 championship, Vladimir Prosikhin’s Team Nika holds a narrow lead, totaling 15 points. After an initial disappointment with an eighth place, they consistently secured finishes no lower than second in the latest races. This performance has pushed Team Nika ahead of Igor Lah’s Team Ceeref Vaider, who has taken second place after a strong showing today.
Prosikhin, a seasoned competitor and three-time World Champion, acknowledges the competitive nature of the RC44 fleet, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the inherent unpredictability of racing. “So far so good! I am very happy. We have 15 points and Ceeref is three points behind. It is like when today’s last race was abandoned – it was going to be a lottery,” he remarked.
Team Nika has been particularly buoyed by their new J1 headsail, which has significantly improved their performance. Prosikhin expressed his enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings of Brunnen, stating it’s invigorating to race in front of such a vibrant spectator crowd.
Igor Lah’s Team Ceeref Vaider had a tough but successful day, winning the first race after navigating through a mid-fleet position and leveraging favorable shifts in wind direction. “We feel really comfortable, and our speed is good. It is extremely complicated out there. It is quite amazing sailing, and the scenery is beautiful,” Lah reflected on their performance.
The second race saw John Bassadone’s Peninsula Racing excel, taking advantage of a favorable split in wind, ultimately claiming victory. Tactician Vasco Vascotto noted the challenges of maintaining control on the lake, but credited the team for their execution under pressure. “Here on the lake, it is difficult because the pressure comes from behind on the downwinds. But luckily, we were able to do it,” he explained.
Peninsula Racing owner/driver John Bassadone also shared his excitement regarding their performance, highlighting the significance of positioning in the current conditions.
The competition remains fierce among all teams, and racing continues tomorrow with the first warning signal scheduled for 1200.
2024 44Cup World Championship Brunnen Results: (after five races)
1. Team Nika – 2 1 8 2 2 – 15pts
2. Team CEEREF Vaider – 1 4 9 1 3 – 18pts
3. Black Star Sailing Team – 3 6 1 3 9 – 22pts
4. Aleph Racing – 7 2 4 4 6 – 23pts
5. Charisma – 6 3 3 6 5 – 23pts
6. Peninsula Racing – 4 7 6 7 1 – 25pts
7. Artemis Racing – 8 8 2 9 4 – 31pts
8. Calero Sailing Team – 9 5 7 5 7 – 33pts
9. Team Aqua – 5 9 5 8 8 – 35pts
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
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.