Victory to Vincenzo

Congratulations to Vincenzo Onorato (ITA) and his Mascalzone Latino team for their win in the super-competitive Rolex Farr 40 Worlds which concluded this afternoon (Saturday) here in Newport. Three-time America's Cup winner Russell Coutts (NZL) served as tactician aboard Mascalzone Latino.

Dozens of sailors from the various AC 32 Challengers, as well as the Defender, were aboard the 38 boats from ten countries. Hosted by New York Yacht Club, the full schedule of ten races was completed over the four-day regatta despite three days of lightish, fluky breeze.

Honorable mention to Alinghi's design coordinator Grant Simmer (AUS) who served as tactician aboard the runner-up, Ichi Ban, with owner/driver Matt Allen (AUS). Likewise to Emirates Team New Zealand's tactician Terry Hutchinson (USA) who called tactics on the third-place finisher, Jim Richardson's (USA) Barking Mad.

In charge on the water was AC 32 Principal Race Officer Peter "Luigi" Reggio (USA) who, along with his entire team, did an outstanding job. The international jury included AC 32 umpires John "Steamer" Standley (AUS) and Neven "Bobby" Baran (CRO).

The racing was tight and scores of the top dozen teams very close. Despite windward legs of 2.0 to 2.2 nautical miles, the entire fleet was usually around the first windward mark in under three minutes. Regardless, the racing was also very clean -- the jury had just two hearings, only one of which was a boat-to-boat protest.

Details at the Farr 40 Worlds website.



Mascalzone Latino getting the gun upon winning today's final race of the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship, cementing the title for Vincenzo Onorato and his team. Photo: TFE.



Vincenzo & Co. celebrating their win at the prizegiving at Newport's Marble House Saturday evening. Photo: Daniel Forster/Rolex.