Star Europeans at Viareggio, Italy - Preview
by Star Europeans Press Office 7 Jun 2010 16:52 BST
5-13 June 2010
Star boats of all nationalities in front in Viareggio, a unique spectacle for the Star Class European Championship 2010
The first race of the Star Class European Championship will be held today, starting at 14.00 in the sea in front of the port of Viareggio. A unique spectacle for the world of sailing that had never seen so big number of Star boats sailing for a championship: 149 members registered, 132 actual crews.
Saturday 5 June the Championship officially began with the Opening Ceremony in front of the headquarters of the Coast Guard of Viareggio with the Navy band concert, then the crews have completed the registration and thier logistical operations at Sunday, 6 June.
In front of the port of Viareggio has also played the launch of the new Star boat created for the occasion by Lillia Boatyard of Como for Torben Grael, brazilian sailor that won two gold medals with Star Class at Savannah's Games in 1996 , Athens in 2004, and a bronze at Sydney in 2000 and the World Championship in 1990, in addition to winning the Louis Vuitton Cup with Luna Rossa at Auckland in 2000. Torben is the current Rolex Sailor of the Year. Grael, partners with Marcelo Ferreira, launched his boat at 15:49 to Sunday 6 June with Italian champagne. This is a boat owned Acta - Callegari, the latest version of the stars Lillia just produced. Grael, very superstitious, said he was happy to compete with the number 90 since the Italian saying "fear is 90" representing the moment of greatest tension and grit.
The competition at the European of Viareggio is much higher because all sailors focus thier attention to the preparation and selection for the London 2012 Olympic Games and this appointment in Viareggio, decided by the International Star Class, according to the World Federvela ISAF and FIV, it is critical for crews. There are in fact the most highly decorated sailors in the world from 27 countries and 4 continents. Among all, Robert Scheidt, Brazilian partners with Bruno Prada, Olympic podium in 2008; Fredrik Loof, Sweden, two bronze medals partners with Johan Tillander, Lars Grael, brother of Torben, partners with Ronald Seifert; Gustavo Lima, Brazilian, Laser world champion in 2003, then moved to the Star in Viareggio partners with Rubro Basil.
Among the Italians Diego Negri, Vice world champion in 1998, 10th in the Olympics and 6th in the 2010 World Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Enrico Chieffi, world champion in 1996; Nicola Celon, former Olympic, Nando Colaninno helmsman with Guido Antar Vigna.
Wind conditions in Viareggio are similar to those of the World Cup in Rio de Janer, where many crew members at the European were present, including Torben Grael: light winds and short wave, with a beautiful blue sky that is frame the races.
Each day will open the "Star Sail Village" in front of Club Nautico Versilia in the Viareggio dock, where the public can spend between stands and informative areas. The program includes the start of the event at 13.00 every day until Sunday 13.
The European Championship has been organized by Società Velica Viareggina, that represents the oldest association in the promotion of sailing sport of the city, organizing since almost 50 years importants International races in the ambit Star; from Club Nautico Versilia, the most important nautical club created for sailing and speedboat in the porto of Viareggio, protagonist and maker of some historical and prestigious competitions; from Lega Navale Italiana, that promotes and supports the practice of pleasure crafts and other activities about the sea, through training, organization of competitions, promotional and cultural initiatives; from the Comune di Viareggio in the ambit of the Tourism and Sports Department; from the Port Authorities - Coast Guard of Viareggio that ensure safety at sea and the maximum support on land and sea at the event, allowing proper execution of the Championship that otherwise would not have been possible.
The event enjoys the active participation of the Viareggio Porto Spa, the Comitato Circoli Velici Versiliesi and Panathlon International Versilia.
More information on the event website.