First regatta day in Lucerne. Forty-five dinghies at the starting line in the Lake of the Four Cantons
Starting with a rainy first day, the 5th stage of the Swiss & Global Cup Classic 12’ Dinghy (www.dinghyclassico.it ) in Lucerne was brighten up by the forty-five dinghies racing in the Lake of the Four Cantons to conquer Leopoldo Colombo Trophy, named after the founder of Cantiere Colombo (www.colomboleopoldo.it ), Local Sponsor of the stage with Allianz Generalagentur (www.allianz-suisse.ch ).
Unstable weather conditions and little wind meant two races run and a start delayed. The Race Committee headed by Tony Müller gave the starting signal at 12h.
First place in current rankings for the olympic champion Giorgio Poggi of the Garnell Sailing Team, racing on Chiscassapava, the dinghy owned by Filippo La Scala, Head of Sales & Distribution Italy at Swiss & Global Asset Management (www.swissglobal-am.com ). Second place for Uberto Capannoli on Ballacongigi, followed by Massimo Schiavon on Maxima, with a second and a sixth place. Fourth place in current rankings for Giuseppe La Scala, AICD 12’ Sezione Classici Representative, who got a very good performance in today races. Eight place for the secretary of 12’ Dinghy Class Francesca Lodigiani, first “Woman” competitor racing on Scignoria. Michael Von der Gathen of CVVT is the first foreign helmsman, placed seventh in current rankings on the dinghy Molto Matto.
Good debut for 2010 Europe Class Juniores Champion Luca Cazzaniga on Erika II, at his first time on a classic dinghy, and for German eight-time dinghy champion Tom Reyers racing on Spritz, fifth in the second race.
During yesterday Opening ceremony, Tony Müller and Susan Buchecker of Yacht Club Luzern (www.ycl.ch ) warmly welcomed Swiss & Global Cup participants, coming from Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, France, Turkey and Germany.
“Forty helmsmen representing six different nations: this debut in Switzerland is a great success. Fair wind and following seas to all of you”, said Filippo La Scala, Head of Sales & Distribution Italy at Swiss & Global Asset Management, Title Sponsor of the Cup.
“We are glad to welcome you and make you live a real 100% “Swiss experience”, said Lucerne Club Chairman Tony Müller during his opening speech. After the ceremony, the fifth stage officially started with a Swiss BBQ at the sound of Alphorn, a Swiss traditional instrument.
Today – Saturday, 28 July – at 19h30, helmsmen and companions are invited to an exclusive Dinner Party at Luzern Yacht Club. Guests will attend the projection of a special video realized by Saily.it, Media Partner of the Swiss & Global Cup.
Tomorrow – Sunday, 29 July – is the second and last regatta day, starting at 10h30. On return from races, participants will be invited to the closing Award Ceremony of the Swiss & Global Cup 5th stage.