Soling Worlds at Castiglione della Pescaia, Italy - Overall

The German team of Koch, Koch & Bornemann win the Soling world championships © Soling class

GER 300 Steals The Show

The Soling World Championship ended yesterday and the German team Koch, Koch, Bornemann was crowned World Champion if the class (GER 300). The Championship has brought Castiglione Della Pescaia to the forefront of international sailing competition, confirming itself to be an ideal race course. More than 120 competitors from 13 nations and 3 continents raced on the crystal blue waters of Maremma and partied at night in the many restaurants and clubs of the medieval village.

Local authorities were present at the prize giving ceremony; two special awards were bestowed to honor the memories of Vittorio Porta, soling class secretary for over 15 years, and of Johannes Segaar, the Dutch sailor who died tragically while traveling to Castiglione to race.

Smiling and triumphant the World Champion Team GER 300 posed for photographers and televisions wearing the special 'Big Maremma Boys' tee-shirt, a gift from the small 'brothers' of the Castiglione sailing club. Best among the Italian teams and winners of the Vittorio Porta trophy, ITA 243 (Tognozzi G., Seri, Soffici) in 15th position.

Here are some closing balance remarks:

Sonia Andrei, President of the Castiglione della Pescaia Sailing Club (CVCP)
"I think the closing balance is extremely positive. Good image return and an excellent press office will certainly make our many sponsors and the local administration happy. This was superb promotion for our territory and I am glad this event has confirmed the club's importance in the local economy."

Michele Tognozzi Sports Director CVCP
"A fantastic championship, appreciated by all competitors who always found ideal racing conditions. The only downside was occasional indecision on the part of the Race Committee. The CVCP would like to officially thank all the volunteers sponsors, and collaborators who contributed to the success of an event that has promoted our sea and Maremma in the whole world."

Roman Koch, Soling World Champion 2005 (GER 300)
"I began racing with my brother in 1970 and we loved being a team from the beginning. It's a lesson for real life; you can only progress if you work together, like the fingers of a hand. You can only be successful if you are comfortable with yourself and your surroundings. Here I feel a part of a big family we can sail with a free mind. I think that if you are talented and work hard, eventually it will pay off. After 5 Olympic campaigns I still dreamed of a world title. This is a wish come true."

Gustavo Warburg, past World Champion (ARG 32)
"I find it hard to accept that the last race was cancelled. The duel for the second and third place was very tight and it would have been great sailing. Weather conditions allowed the race, in fact we have competed with far less wind other times." The Argentinean sailor will take part on the Beijing Olympics in 2007, in the Star class.

The full scoreboard is available on: www.solingworlds.com/worlds/2005 then clicking Results.

The Soling World Championship has been organized by the Club Velico Castiglione della Pescaia, in collaboration with the International Soling Association, the International Sailing Federation, the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and the committee Circoli Velici della Costa Etrusca.

The event has the patronage and support of the Province of Grosseto and the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia. It has been made possible thanks to the contribution of Consorzio Albergatori Firenze Hotel de la Pace, SLAM, Banca della Maremma Credito Cooperativo di Grosseto, BMW Concessionaria Auto Fratelli Gori di Grosseto, the Chamber of Commerce of Grosseto, Banfi, Ristorante Pierbacco, C.O.A.R.O, Scalambra Service, Casa Vacanze, Acot Castiglione della Pescaia, Studio Trend, La Gardenia Profumerie.