Piada Trophy – Final

Talamone, July 6-8, 2012.

Regatta report by Alberto Perdisa.

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After five successful editions in the waters of Cervia, the Piada Trophy arrived in Talamone for 2012.

This year there were thirty-two boats on the starting line on the Italian West Coast. Unfortunately, at the last minute, some strong foreign teams were not able to participate. Several will compete in the upcoming European Championships, and for these teams two long trips in a month would be too onerous.

It was a spectacular edition of the regatta with three days of beautiful summer sun and a good wind that showed the beauty of the bay of Talamone.

Two international stars of the class sailed: the reigning world champion, Brazilian Alexandre Tinoco with crew Gabriel Borges, and twice world champion American Augie Diaz with crew Kathleen Tocke.

Tinoco, aka Amiguinho, dominated the series with six first places that allowed him to spend the last day of racing with his wife, relaxing on the beautiful shores of this part of Tuscany.

The speed and boat handling of Amiguinho and Borges between the short waves of Snipe Bay was impressive. Continuous movements of the body on each wave in perfect coordination with the sheet in his hand. It was impossible for others, including the great Augie Diaz, to beat the carioca team, even if they had great strategy and created excellent starts.

Augie and Katlheen sailed well, but I saw in the eyes of the strong sailor from Miami some disappointment at not being able to fight better the sailors of Rio de Janeiro. Knowing his determination, I know that he will work to eliminate the small gap that separates him from the reigning world champion.

Paolo Lambertenghi, the good skipper from Torbole, with crew Christian Miorelli, finished in third place, never below the sixth place and impressive for their consistency.

Pietro Fantoni, tipped as one of the favourites, with crew Marinella Gorgatto, was fourth, a point from the podium. A little contract at the beginning but then author of a remarkable progression that culminated with the victory in the last race of the series.

The Rockets (Rochelli) were fifth, always in the game, fighting for the first positions on these waters that they know very well.

Rounding out the top ten we find the current Italian national champions Andrea Zaoli & Davide Ortelli, the young team from Livorno Francesco Granchi & Matteo Bacchi, Antonio & Alessandro Bari, and then Stefano Longhi, Francesco Rossi, and Marco Rinaldi. Milla, Prosperi, Pantano, Gemini, Prati and Andrea Vacchino & Erica Ferraris, both from Sanremo and winners of a race, all also had some excellent races.

Always in the leading group was the legendary Brazilian Bibi Juetz with the athletic Felipe Sabino as crew. Present also was the Norwegian Jorn Haga, master in fair play, with American Michelle Morphew as crew.

The work of the Race Committe, with Tosi as P.R.O., was excellent The courses were always very well set and with the correct length.

The effort of the staff of the sailing club Talmone led by Alessandro Testa, was extraordinary, without imperfection both on the sea and on land where we were always greeted with fresh fruit and drinks. The Friday dinner in the beautiful setting of the clubhousewas excellent, usually characterized by a bingo, with prizes: quality wines and sails offered by Zaoli, always generous on these occasions.

With this event Talamone confirms its ability to organize international races in a setting of rare beauty that has ravished foreign sailors.

Viva Talamone e viva il Piada Trophy!

Piada Paradise – Talamone Edition (by Michelle Morphew)

Piada Trophy – Final results