While the enchanting location of Puntaldia, Sardinia, has witnessed 69F boats soaring over its waters for several days as they prepare for the Algebris 69F Cup 2023 closing event, the inaugural Eurosaf 69F European Championship will commence tomorrow, Friday, September 22, and conclude on Sunday, September 24, with the crowning of the first Continental Champion of the Class.
The successful partnership between the 69F Cup, the unique foiling monohull team racing circuit, and the Marina di Puntaldia began several years ago. The sea conditions, often ideal for flying boats with steady winds and calm waters, combined with the undeniable beauty of the surroundings, featuring the imposing island of Tavolara and the stunning turquoise waters of Cinta Beach as a backdrop, are appreciated by all sailors.
"The 69F encapsulates significant values and qualities while looking ahead to the future of sailing, both in terms of performance and the new generations of sailors. All of this immediately captivated the Marina di Puntaldia, which, for the third consecutive year, welcomes a 69F event, coinciding this time with the awarding of a European title", commented Marie-Hélène Polo, CEO of Marina di Puntaldia.
The Marina di Puntaldia and the entire region extend a warm welcome to the 69F fleet, whose presence is a source of pride for all of us and an important moment of recognition for our ongoing work. This work is aimed at making Puntaldia an ever more active player in the competitive sailing landscape."
Seven teams from six nations – Antigua, Great Britain, Finland, France, Switzerland, and Italy – are registered for the first European Championship of the 69F Class. Among them are numerous athletes who have been with 69F from the beginning, including Spanish 49er Olympian Iago Lopez Marra and two teams qualified for the Youth Foiling Gold Cup Grand Final, Antigua Rum Runners and Ocean Vivo.
Fin1 Racing (FIN) - Allan Norregaard, Janne Järvinen, Iago Lopez
Groupe Atlantic Sailing Team (FRA) - Clément Cron, Louis Chambet, Valentin Sipan, Jessica Berthoud, Pierre Mas (Coach)
Okalys (SUI) - Arnaud Grange, Ettore Botticini, Arno De Planta
Katana Sailing (SUI) - Alexander de Weck, Ivan Aranguren, Jann Schupbach
Marga (ITA) - Alessandra Angelini, Francesco Rubagotti, Matteo Pilati
Rum Runners (ANT) - Rocco Falcone, Filippo Amonti, Alice Cialfi
Oceana Vivo (GBR) - Zac Blomeley, Cas Van Dongen, Sophie Otter, Hebe Hemming
The first race is scheduled to begin around noon tomorrow, and up to six races will be held daily until Sunday, when the first Eurosaf 69F European Championship – Algebris 69F Cup GP5 will be awarded.