Win for Tommy Hilfiger at the 57th Centomiglia Regatta

by OC Events 9 Sep 2007 11:35 BST

After nearly eight hours of racing in 30 knots of breeze and fantastic scenery, Extreme 40s Tommy Hilfiger and iShares have claimed line honours in the multihull division of the Centomiglia Regatta, becoming the first and second boats to cross the finish line on Lake Garda.

The historical Centomiglia Regatta, a course that circumnavigates Lake Garda and that annually attracts, nearly 300 boats of all shapes and sizes, posed a challenged for the two Extreme 40 teams who took on the final iShares Endurance Race as part of the iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series. The boats will now head to Amsterdam for the final iShares Cup event where they will return to their shot-race format on a canal in the heart of the city.

Tommy Hilfiger, helmed by American sailing legend Randy Smyth, took an early lead right from the start. The American team brought in some local knowledge and with Italian sailor Roberto Benamati on board, a world and European Star champion who also holds seven Centomiglia Classica wins to is name, the team proved hard to beat. The team edged out a 14-minute advantage on opposition iShares, helmed by Nick Moloney by the first buoy in Torbole and held onto their lead for the remainder of the regatta.

At 4.30 pm, in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Tommy Hilfiger crossed the finish line. After spray of champagne Mumm over his crew in celebration, Randy Smyth said: "It was a very tricky and difficult race. We experienced many conditions, from winds gusting over 35 knots that resulted in a broken Genoa, to areas of flat clam. Having Benamati with us today was essential to our success. He was an excellent asset to have on the boat."

Thirty minutes after Tommy Hilfiger's success, iShares crossed the line to become second overall. Helmsman, Nick Moloney had an exhilarating race. "What a day. This is my first time sailing on Lake Garda and it has been epic. The conditions and the sailing have been tremendous. I have always wanted to sail here and today has lived up to my expectations and more. I have loved every moment of the race. Unfortunately we had some damages on board, we're soaking wet and cold but we had such fun. I will be back!"