The start of the Roberto Trombini Challenge Trophy at Marina di Ravenna.
Opening gala dinner for 500 guests, Champions and VIPs
A big party for 500 guests for the official opening of the ninth edition
of the
Roberto Trombini Challenge Trophy an event of international sailing from
tomorrow until Sunday 13 July; races between the best 12 yachtsmen in
the world.
Amongst those present president of tourism for Ravenna Elio Gasperoni,
president of sport Josefa Idem, port Captain Mauro Catarrozzi and the
president of the port authority Remo di Carlo.
The races organized by Progetto Vela in collaboration with Circolo Velico
Ravennate and International Yacht Club Marinara start with the first
round robins. The first on the water will be Paolo Cian Neapolitan helmsman
ex Mascalzone Latino against ace yachtsman Dutchman Roy Heiner, his first
time at the Trombini races.
The other flights will be as follows: Ian Williams (GBR) against Ed Baird
(USA); Cameron Appleton (NZ) against Staffan Lindberg (FIN) Luc Pillot
(FR) against James Spithill (AUS) Chris Law (GBR)against Matteo Simoncelli
(ITA); in bye Jes Gram-Hansen (DK) and Tommaso Chieffi (ITA).
The high championship level leaves the forecast of results open for the
qualifying positions and for the semi finals and finals. Ex helmsman
of One World James Spithill is considered a specialist of match racing
but the veteran Brit. Chris Law comes fresh from an important success
in Marstrand, Sweden where he beat the world’s number 1 in the
finals. Important to watch also American Ed Baird and Dane Jes Gram-Hansen
who seemed out of form at the beginning of the season but is still n.
2 in the world ranking. Also interesting the race between New Zealander
Cameron Appleton vice helmsman of Dean Barker for Team New Zealand and
Frenchman Luc Pillot Luc Pillot ex Le Defi in the America’s Cup.
Of the Italians attention is on Paolo Cian who has just regained 9th
place in world ranking that qualifies him for the World Match racing
event on Lake Garda at the end of August, not to forget expert champion
Tommaso Chieffi.
The first day of round robins includes a match between Cian and Chieffi
during the second flight.
The races will start at 1200 hrs within the internal harbour of Marina
di Ravenna. As usual the public can watch the races from the grandstand.
Information: Progetto Vela , Via Gamba 3, 48100
Ravenna- Tel 0039 0544 465556, -Fax 0039 0544 463157
Communications: Fabio Colivicchi 0039 335 5730 361 - fabcol@tin.it
