GC32 Alps Challenge Traunsee - Overall
by Icarus Sailing Media 16 May 2016 13:35 BST
12-15 May 2016
Adam Minoprio makes it a GC32 Lake Traunsee hat-trick
Adam Minoprio was crowned 'King of the Catamarans' for a third time on Lake Traunsee, the New Zealander steering the French NORAUTO team to victory in the final of the GC32 Alps Challenge Traunsee.
A special warm-up event prior to the start of the GC32 Racing Tour proper (Riva del Garda on 26-29th May), this was the first full match racing event for the spectacular GC32 'flying' catamarans.
On the final day the exciting one-on-one duels were sailed in perfect wind conditions for foiling and NORAUTO prevailed, winning the Finals 4:0 against the Swiss ARMIN STROM Sailing Team, 4:0 skippered by Flavio Marazzi. In the 'petite final' to determine third and fourth places in the competition it was Team ENGIE, the French team skippered by Sebastien Rogues, that won against the young Austrian team, PROFS I Youth America's Cup – Team Austria skippered by local match racer Max Trippolt.
As an added incentive for the crews competing at the GC32 Alps Challenge Traunsee there was prize money on offer of 30,000 €, with 15,000 € going to the winner NORAUTO, 10,000 € to ARMIN STROM Sailing Team and 5,000 € to Team ENGIE.
Of the regatta, winning skipper Adam Minoprio commented: "I love to race foiling catamarans over Lake Traunsee. It is a beautiful place and a perfect opportunity to prepare for the season. I'm happy that we were able to clinch the title, but it was a tough fight against very good teams. We are already looking forward to coming back soon."
Despite being the underdogs, the local heroes on PROFS I Youth America's Cup - Team Austria were pleased to have been able to claim a point off Team ENGIE in their match. Skipper Max Trippolt was very happy to have been part of this amazing event: "It was an amazing experience to compete with some of the best teams in the world. We were able to achieve some notable successes in the fleet-races and even in the match races. I think we can be proud of our challenging the top teams."
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