2023 Italian J/80 Match Race Series concludes
by J/Boats 28 Mar 15:33 BST
10-11 March 2023
2023 Italian J/80 Match Race Series © Yacht Club Italiano
Once again, the 2023 Italian J/80 Match-racing season includes a busy calendar of regattas across Italy. This year, the format has expanded and will include four Match Race events.
On Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11, the first Match Race J/80 Challenge of 2023 took place in the waters of Genoa, beautifully organized by the Yacht Club Italiano (YCI).
Unfortunately, due to a lack of wind and rough sea conditions, it was not possible to run any races on Saturday.
On Sunday, with less-than-ideal weather conditions and little wind, the YCI RC/ PRO team managed to set up the race course and have ten match races! As a result, all the teams were able to compete against each other and ensure a day of great fun for everyone.
The calibre of helmsmen was very high. The fleet included Benedetta Di Salle, a multiple World, European and Olympic champion. It was a real honor for the match racing J/80 class that is growing more and more.
The racing was extremely tight with three equal winners- Paco Rebaudi, Piero Cardone, and, obviously, Benedetta Di Salle.
The match racing continues with the next regional regatta scheduled for May 2023 and organized by the LNI and ILVA.
Later in September, the LNI of Santa Margherita will organize the third Match Race of the season. Currently, the fourth and final event scheduled for November 2023 is still being finalized. Thanks for this contribution from Donald Hart- Italian J/80 owner.