France triumphs over Italy in a last-second thriller to win eSailing Nations Cup

France triumphs over Italy in a last-second thriller to win eSailing Nations Cup

France triumphs over Italy in a last-second thriller to win eSailing Nations Cup

Sport

31/01/2025 - 13:21

Both France and Italy brought their A-game, delivering electrifying performances and showcasing the very best of competitive eSailing. 

The series began with the mixed 2v2, a tactical chess match on water. After a tied start and two legs of cautious manoeuvring, the real action erupted on leg 3. The key moment came when Italian skipper Rosalba Giordano (SOSI) outduelled French sailor Barbara Cavyn (Barbie) in a tense match race at the back of the fleet. Simultaneously, Lorenzo Sorrenti (LS42) executed a masterful mark trap on Vincent Cuzon (BrestPower), securing a 1-2 finish for Italy and the first point of the day. 

Race 2 had a completely different energy, with Italy dominating right from the pre-start. By the first mark, the Italians had solidified their lead, cruising to a decisive victory and extending their advantage to 2-0. 

France roared back in Race 3, taking a commanding 1-2-3-4 position by the first mark. The match was effectively over within two minutes as France cruised to their first point, narrowing the gap to 2-1. In Race 4, the French delivered another stellar start, but it was the downwind leg that proved decisive. Adrien Fournier (Mournier) and Alex Kowalski created chaos for the Italian team, allowing France’s top two sailors to sail away unchallenged, tying the score at 2-2. 

Race 5 was a nail-biter. While the score appeared close throughout, Italy maintained a stronghold on the top four positions. France focused all their efforts on Amos Di Benedetto, but he cleverly slipped into ninth place, ensuring another Italian victory and a 3-2 lead. 

France answered back in Race 6, with Tristan Peron (Asere) and Tim Carpentier (Pepito) delivering a masterclass in downwind defence. Despite a penalty to Pepito, the duo held their 1-2 combo, neutralising all Italian attacks and tying the score once again at 3-3. 

Race 7 saw France take control right from the start in a 4v4 F50 match. Starting in a 1-2-3 combo, they navigated the race with poise and precision. Although there were moments of risk, the French maintained their winning formation, claiming the match point and moving to 4-3. 

Facing elimination, Italy stormed back in Race 8. After a strong start, the Italians quickly placed Xavier Noblin (xav-nice) as the only French sailor in the top five. Despite brilliant defensive moves by Alex Kowalski and Asere, Italian sailors Antonio Moro (Moro di Napoli) and Fabio Zaccolo (FabioZak) devised a clever tactic. Recognising that placing the last French sailor in the final position would secure the win, they relentlessly targeted Mournier, forcing him to finish last and tying the score at 4-4. 

The Decisive Race 9

The winner-takes-all final race was a rollercoaster of emotions. Italy began with a dominant start, placing Rocco Guerra (Rock) and Luca Coslovich in podium positions. However, a spirited comeback by Andres Lemos (FullHydrosail) disrupted Italy’s formation, placing them in a tenuous 1-5-6 combo. 

France capitalised, with Asere and Pepito pressuring the Italians during the upwind leg. A skilful dial-down by Asere on Coslovich shifted the balance, putting Italy in an uncomfortable 1-5-6. It appeared the victory was firmly within France’s grasp as they sailed into the final leg. 

But the Italians weren’t done. In the dying moments, Charizard (Stefano Bonatti) surged ahead, reclaiming positions from FullHydrosail and Asere to secure a critical 1-3 combo for Italy. Rock returned to cover Pepito, further solidifying their lead. With 10 seconds remaining, a penalty on Pepito seemed to seal Italy’s second consecutive Nations Cup title. 

In a last-second twist, Asere executed a flawless manoeuvre, penalising Rock and flipping the standings. As the boats crossed the line, France emerged victorious, claiming their third Nations Cup title. 

This final encapsulated everything fans love about eSailing: split-second decisions, unparalleled teamwork, and the sheer unpredictability of the sport. 

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