Oceana Vivo wins Act 4 of the ITAS 69F Youth Foiling Gold Cup and secures a ticket to Grand Final
by 69F Sailing 27 Aug 2023 16:02 BST
21-27 August, 2023
Antigua Rum Runners (ANT) clinch second place, closely followed by Groupe Atlantic (FRA) in third. The latter is set to go to Barcelona as the Caribbeans have already won their spot in May at La Grande Motte.
A week of intense racing, spanning seven days and featuring a total of 58 exhilarating races, has culminated in a tightly contested podium. This underscores the progressively heightened level of competition in the 2023 Youth Foiling Gold Cup, with Act 4 at Lake Garda's Torbole coming to a close today.
Oceana Vivo from the UK, comprising Zac Blomeley, Hebe Hemming, Sophie Otter, and Scipio Houtman, emerges victorious in the third event of the season and claims one of the two coveted spots for the YFGC Grand Final. Their consistent performance granted them access to the Gold Fleet, where they showcased exceptional skill during the final races, leading to a neck-and-neck tie in points with the second-place finishers, Antigua Rum Runners.
The Caribbean team, composed of Rocco Falcone, Alice Cialfi, and Filippo Amonti, secured the runner-up position in the qualifying round and continued their impressive form in the Gold Fleet. Unfortunately, a two-point penalty during the final races cost them the overall title. The French squad Groupe Atlantic, represented by Clement Cron, Jessica Berthoud, and Luis Chambet along with coach Pierre Mas, claims the third podium position. They also secure a ticket to the YFGC Grand Final in Barcelona, as the Rum Runners secured theirs in May at La Grande Motte.
Reflecting on the remarkable week, the winning team expressed their sentiments: "What an incredible week we had here for the Youth Foiling Gold Cup in Torbole. We had perfect sailing conditions, completed an impressive number of races, for this I am exhausted but thrilled to come away with the victory. Congratulations to all the other teams, especially Team Antigua and Groupe Atlantic, who pushed us to give our best. But most importantly, I'd like to extend my gratitude to our teammates Hebe and Sophie. Despite being relatively new to this boat, they delivered an exceptional performance. Special thanks also go to Scipio and Cas, who coached us effectively to this victory."
The seven-day event, hosted by Circolo Vela Torbole, will be remembered for the multitude of races held, the elevated level of competition, the dedication of the 50 young and promising athletes, and the exceptional racing conditions that North Lake Garda once again provided.
Final Standings:
1. Oceana Vivo (GBR) - 26 points
2. Antigua Rum Runners - 26 points
3. Groupe Atlantic Sailing Team - 21 points
4. Luna Rossa Swordfish - 20 points
5. Clean Sailors Youth Racing Team - 17.5 points
6. Team Argentina - 14 points
7. Okalys Youth (SUI) - 22 points
8. Team Normandy (FRA) - 16 points
9. Dutchsail Jajo (NED) - 16 points
10. Orient Express Racing Team (FRA) - 12 points
11. Volaire (CAN) - 8.5 points
12. Luna Rossa Piranha (ITA) - 0 (An accident during race 3 of day 4 to the helmsman Margherita Porro has prevented them to go ahead with racing)
13. Enzedder (NZL)
14. Team Happy (GER)
15. CVT (ITA9
16. BYC - Foiling Team (GER)
The Youth Foiling Gold Cup will now shift to Barcelona for Act 3 from October 23rd to 29th, postponed from Canada in June. During this event, the last two spots for the Grand Final will be at stake. Following this, the YFGC Grand Final is scheduled for November 2nd to 5th.
In the upcoming week, Gargnano on Lake Garda will host the inaugural Women Foiling Gold Cup. Ten teams will compete over four days, from August 30th to September 3rd.