14th July Press Release

James Spithilll (OneWorld) is the winner of the Trombini Trophy Challenge at Marina di Ravenna.
He beat Jesper Radich (Danish) 3-1 in a spectacular final making him the winner of the Roberto Trombini Trophy Challenge 2002, the impressive match race event in Italy. The other Dane, Jes Gram-Hansen, at third place.

The last day of the Trombini Challenge 2002 was full of excitement starting with the semi-final repechage between the two Danish champions Jesper Radich and Jes Gram-Hansen won by Radich only at the end of the fifth match (3-2) after hard fought and closely raced matches. Conditions were difficult, strong winds and heavy showers over the race area, the inner harbour at Marina di Ravenna. In spite of the weather a crowd of spectators turned up to watch the finals of the most impressive match race in Italy.

The final between James Spithill, Australian skipper who races with the American syndicate for the America's Cup 'OneWorld', and Jesper Radich, number 3 in the world ranking list was a real show by two masters of this type of racing. Spithill started well and scored 2-0 thanks also to a penalty to Radich in the second match. The third race was won by Radich who even pushed Spithill out of the starting line forcing him to cross the line again. Spithill gave signs of making a protest but then revoked it showing great sportsmanship. The fourth and decisive race was tremendous. The boats took off together and stayed extraordinarily close for the whole of the race Radich was given a penalty however he stayed in the lead. A masterly manoeuvre during the last lap gave Spithill two lengths advantage which were decisive for the final victory.
With a final of 3-1 Spithill is the winner of the Roberto Trombini Trophy Challenge 2002, Grade 1 ISAF. The fleet race was cancelled due to incessant rain.

The major of Ravenna, Vidmer Mercatalli attended the prize giving ceremony. Andrea Trombini, president of Progetto Vela, the association which organizes the event said he was very satisfied and plans to expand the : "Since the Trophy Challenge first started we have gained recognition at international level, we intend to improve for 2003 to put the Trombini Trophy at world level.

SEMI-FINAL REPECHAGE
Jesper Radich (DK) b. Jes Gram-Hansen (DK) 3-2

FINAL
James Spithill (USA) b. Jesper Radich (DK) 3-1

FINAL RESULTS OF THE 8° ROBERTO TROMBINI TROPHY CHALLENGE 2002

1 James Spithill (USA)
2 Jesper Radich (DK)
3 Jes Gram-Hansen (DK)
4 Karol Jablonsky (P)
5 Ed Baird (USA)
6 Gavin Brady (I)
7 Lars Nordbjerg (DK)
8 Matteo Simoncelli (I)
9 Bjorn Hansen (S)
10 Mikael Lindqvist (S)
11 Martin Angsell (S)
12 Chris Law (GB)