Impressive Imperia….. SUI 318 Wins “Again”.

Imperia, Italy is a fantastic venue for Dragon Sailing, boats returning from races.

The recent Italian National Championships was convincingly won by our current European Champion Wolf Waschkuhn, helming SUI 318 “1 Quick 1″crewed by Charles Nankin & Joao Vidinha. Although only 10 teams participated the racing was of the highest quality supported by the reliable GPS Marks provided by SeaDis with the Marksetbot’s, an excellent Race Committee and superb on shore facilities.

Great atmosphere amongst Sailors in Imperia, with superb sailing conditions.

The weather was stunning with constant sea breezes (11-14 kts) from around 70 degrees and temperatures in the high 20’s. Yacht Club Imperia President Biagio Parlatore explained “YC IM” is run by many volunteers and friends, supported by the City and Commune of Imperia led by it’s Mayor. We fully encourage all sailing here in Imperia and would very much like to grow our connection with the International Dragon Class”.

8 races were completed over the 4 days and smooth, quick turn-a-rounds between races ensured competitors spent maximum time competing and were all safely ashore in the impressive marina by mid afternoon to enjoy complimentary beers and snacks provided by YC IM.

Perfect conditions and a great party at Wolf & Suki’s Imperia home on Sunday.

With Wolf and his top team the one’s to beat it was ITA 76 helmed by Giuseppe Duca crewed by Sofian Bouvet and Federico Colaninno who pushed “1 Quick 1” to the limit, to actually win 2 of the 8 races. This gave Giuseppe and his team 2nd place overall and the Italian National Title as the top Italian helm. 3rd place on the podium was secured on the final day by ITA 80 “Diva 6” who just edged out ITA 49.

ITA 76 Giuseppe Duca leads around top mark in Imperia to finish 2nd overall.

On the final day ITA 80 recorded two 2nd places to clinch 3rd place. Helmed by top Italian Laser helm Marco Gallo this 4 person team with Paola Gurzi, Mario Quaranta and Andrea Quaranta, (owners of the famous “Sibma Navale Italiana Yacht Designers Yard” in Imperia), sailed really well and deserved to be on the podium.

Final Podium.        1st SUI 318, 2nd ITA 76 & 3rd ITA 80.

SUI 318 Wolf Waschkuhn, Joao Vidinha, Charles Nankin.

ITA 76 Giuseppe Duca, Sofian Bouvet & Federico Colaninno.

ITA 80 Marco Gallo, Paola Gurzi, Mario Quaranta & Andrea Quaranta.

In closing a huge thanks to Yacht Club Imperia President Biagio Parlatore for his generous support and organisational skills in making this a most excellent regatta. Also to Chairman of the Jury Marco Cimarosti for his VHF communication and making sure everything ran smoothly ashore.

There is no doubt the City of Imperia is a wonderful place to visit, with impressive beaches, restaurants, fantastic sailing conditions and a magnificent marina. This would certainly be high on my list as a possible venue for the 100th Anniversary of the Dragon Class in 2029….    🙂

Higher, Faster, Longer……   Stavros.    GBR 818.