Christoph Toepfer, Markus Koy & Michael Koch win Italian GP & Standfast Trophy!
38 teams came to the beautiful City of Imperia in the region of Liguria, Italy. Not only was the the final Grand Prix of the 2024 season on the line, but also the coveted Standfast Trophy awarded for the best overall performance counting 3 out of the 4 IDA Grade 1’s. This year competition was of the highest level and in the end Christoph and his crew Markus & Michael won “both” the Standfast Trophy counting a 4th in Riva, 4th in Traveminde’ and with a dominant 1st place in Imperia, took the Italian Grand Prix Trophy too saving their best performance to last. A brilliant result. In the photo we see Klaus Diederichs (who, along with Grant Gordon donated the Cup & finished a very creditable 5th in the Grand Prix) presenting the trophy to the winning team.
GER 11 “Aurora” Winning the Grand Prix in Imperia.
This Grand Prix was sailed in superb conditions, with sun every day and a variable wind from between 60 to 75 degrees. Although the coastal side of the race course predominately paid, there were times when gains were made on the right with more pressure and occasional shifts.
Tight and Exhilarating Racing in Italian Grand Prix, Imperia.
In 2nd place overall in the Italian Grand Prix and 2nd place overall in the Standfast Trophy (by just 1 point) was SUI 318 Wolf Waschkuhn, crewed by Joao Vidinha & Charles Nankin. Wolf and his top team sailed very consistently throughout the 7 races and deserved their podium finish. In the Standfast Trophy they counted a 1st in Riva, 7th in Traveminde’ and 2nd in Imperia to finish on 10 points, just one behind Christoph.
SUI 318 2nd overall in GP & Standfast, Wolf Waschkuhn, Joao Vidinha & Charles Nankin.
The final place on the podium and Top Corinthian Team went to our IDA Treasurer Martin Palsson helming his SWE 416 NONO crewed by Melker Lundberg & Viktor Langstrom. Martin told me he was very pleased to sail with his new young crew and to finish on the podium was a fantastic achievement. This amazing Corinthian Team also won the Lowell Phyllis Trophy for the 1st placed Corinthians of the 4 Grade 1’s, discarding their worst score. This is the 3rd year running Martin has won this trophy!
SWE 416 proud winners of the Lowell Phyllis Trophy with YCi President Biagio Parlatore.
Top 5 Teams: 1st GER 11, 2nd SUI 318, 3rd SWE 416, 4th ITA 79, 5th GBR 819. Well done to all.
Imperia is a most picturesque City to visit and all the Yacht Club Imperia’s Staff, Helpers and Volunteers did an amazing job hosting this prestigious regatta. Overseen by the Club’s President Biagio Parlatore the 38 teams will take home happy memories of a great week’s sailing and social gatherings.
My personal thanks to the Race Committee lead by Maurizio Buscemi, Fabio, Stefano & Vittorio who I joined on the Committee Boat. Plus all the Ladies back in the Office lead by Elena & Gulia.
In my next report I will bring you details of the GP Finals…… won brilliantly by Provezza !
Higher, Faster, Longer…… Stavros.
