Star Worlds at Yacht Club Isole di Toscana - Preview
by Yacht Club Isole di Toscana 14 Sep 2023 16:07 BST
16-24 September 2023
Star World Championships © YCIT Archive
Everything is set for the start of the Star Worlds at Yacht Club Isole di Toscana.
With one hundred teams registered, representing 19 nations, it promises to be a week of great sailing, where the most world-famous sailors will meet at Marina di Scarlino.
The measurement checks start from Saturday 16 September, to then leave room for the regattas from 18 to 24.
Among the favorites undoubtedly Diego Negri, winner of two world titles in a row (Kiel, 2021 and Marblehead, 2022), who declares: "I know and appreciate the regatta area, as I have had the opportunity to race many times over the years at Marina of Scarlino, through different classes. It is not an easy racing course but usually the values in the race are rewarded." So commented the Ligurian sailor, Olympic athlete in Laser at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games as well as in the Star Class at Beijing 2008 and famous one design sailor, not hiding however that "Going into the water with all eyes on you will undoubtedly make this championship particularly difficult, but no less exciting for this".
Another champion who will leave no stone unturned for this championship is Enrico Chieffi, Star World Champion (Rio de Janeiro 1996) and European Champion (Split, 2021), as well as boasting an exceptional all-round curriculum, including having been the tactician of the Moro di Venezia.
Chieffi, current CEO of SLAM, feels "like at home" at Marina di Scarlino, given his long-time role as CEO and Vice President of Nautor Swan. "I consider Marina di Scarlino an exceptional venue for organizing regattas of this type, both thanks to the uncommon logistical synergies between the marina, shipyard and yacht club, and due to the orographic conditions of the gulf, protected by the Elba Island and therefore capable of allowing you to race in almost all weather and sea conditions. My favorites? The famous Mistral, which in September could give us some satisfaction."
Among the crews, another that certainly has not to be underestimated is the Croatian Tonci Stipanovic, for two consecutive times silver medal at the Star World Championship in 2021 and 2022.
The Costiere di Scarlino will be the backdrop for the large fleet, where the rules of fair play and environmental sustainability will apply alongside competitive competition.
The Yacht Club Isole di Toscana will host owners and sailors at its facilities, giving them an authentic Tuscan experience.
The practice race will be held on Monday 18, while a program of six regattas (one per day) will develop from Tuesday 19 to Sunday 24, to then conclude with the prize-giving ceremony and celebration of the champion.
"This event represents a great recognition and is the consecration of the positioning of the yacht club in the context of world sailing. The care and attention that we have dedicated to the organization of this event confirm how much the pursuit of excellence both at sea and ashore are among the main assets of the relaunch of our association." comments the President, Andrea Longinotti Buitoni.
Yacht Club Isole di Toscana counts on the support of the Municipality of Scarlino, Marina di Scarlino and Resort Baia Scarlino.
A special touch is given thanks to the partnership with Rigoni di Asiago and Nero Lifestyle.