Sunday, October 14, 2007

BARCOLANA 39: Photos







NEVILLE CRICHTON, ALFA ROMEO 2: “This is our 4th win in the Barcolana and there is more enthusiasm among the crowd here than in New Zealand. It has been a good race with a strong breeze at the start and we were quite concerned in causing no damage to the boats around us, so we did not hoist the spinnaker till we got clear. The rest of the race was quite straightforward and easy. We weren't sure we would break the record because the wind calmed down in the last leg but we've made it and it was good fun. We probably won't be here next year but the year after.”
MITIJA KOSMINA, MAXI JENA: "It has been really tough today because the main winch got stuck at the start and we couldn't hoist the gennaker properly and also the wind shifted suddenly some 30°. All this happened in a few seconds and it was very difficult to keep calm and concentrated. We had to perform a series of physically heavy manoeuvres and at that moment I was afraid my crew would not be to keep the pace till the end. And tis is why I very proud of my crew who concentrated on clinching the second place, because there was nothing we could do against Alfa Romeo 2 who was already ahead and Esimit-Europa was close behind, doing an really excellent race."
IGOR SIMCIC, ESIMIT-EUROPA: "This has been for us one of the best Barcolanas ever. With a 20/25 knots wind blowing we had to do our best at the start. For the first time we were second at the first mark ahead of Maxi Jena, and we were able to lead halfway the second lap, when Mitja overtook. This result proves that this boat, and in particular its crew, have done their best today. I'm very proud of this team, all the effort and work done in these month has been paid back."
RUSSELL COUTTS, OMEGA TEAM: “Fantastic race today, we had a great time racing with so many sails and with perfect weather conditions, sailing close to 80-foot yachts. We had a lot of fun. Bora wind was strong and you had to make sure you pick the right angle to get to the first mark. It's a good strategic technical race. We hoisted the gennaker straight from the start. I'll definitely come back next year for the Barcolana, it's a fantastic race and a great sailing festival with so many boats involved.”
JAMES SPITHILL, TEAM CEEREF: “Trieste is an ideal site for racing on Rc44s. In Barcolana we were not as good to get off the line. There were so many boats and it was a great physical performance involving all the crew. Our female sailor tuned the mainsail and told us where to go.”
GASTONE NOVELLI, PRESIDENTE SVBG: "I told you I wanted Bora wind to blow on the race course and my desire came true. This is the third year a good Bora wind blows on the Barcolana with a warm sunshine. Its a perfect climate combination in our Gulf. All boats were able to finish the race: this is another satisfying success. Next year will be the 40th edition of the Autumn's Cup: we'll start thinking about it tomorrow because, every time, everyone is eager to see new events which cannot be missing for such a historical anniversary of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano. Meanwhile let's enjoy this fantastic edition."www.barcolana.it