LA SUPERBA NAVY WINS J/24 ITALIAN NATIONALS
Hosted on the beautiful waters of the archipelago of La Maddalena, nine out of the top ten boats were powered by North Sails.
The J/24 class has a new Italian National champion! Thirty teams have successfully completed the 5-day regatta on the beautiful waters of the archipelago of La Maddalena. But this title is not new to ITA 416, La Superba of the Navy Sailing Center of Naples, in fact, it is their fourth national title in the J/24 class. Helmsman Ignazio Bonanno and his crew – Simone Receipt, Vincenzo Vano, Francesco Picaro and Alfredo Branciforte – closed the championship with 26 points, three regatta wins and a race to spare.
“We would like to thank the organizers and especially the Navy and the Commander of Marivela CV, Domenico La Faia, for allowing us to participate in this championship. Conditions were difficult due to the many wind shifts. We are pleased we were able to interpret the wind well and again win the J24 national title.” said Ignazio Bonnanno.
Current USA National champion Keith Whittemore, sailing on USA 5399 Furio with Kevin Downey, Brian Thomas, Mark Rogers and Sheley Milne, finished second with 28 points and also had three bullets. ITA 405 Gallura helmed by Aurelio Bini finished third with 46 points. The top four teams used full North Sails inventories and nine out of the top ten teams used North sails.
The championship was organized by the Section of La Maddalena Italian Naval League, in collaboration with the National Association J24 Class, with the valuable support of the City of La Maddalena and many sponsors and supporters.
The National Open Championship has qualified eight teams (the top eight finishers not already qualified) to attend the 2018 J/24 World Championhsip in Riva del Garda.
“Maddalena is a wonderful place that deserves to host big events. The splendid sea, the unique hospitality, beautiful location and breathtaking views made it really special. A heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked to organize our Championship. An advice? return to Maddalena! I am very pleased also of pleasant atmosphere among the teams: a lot of competition and fairness in the water, great cordiality and friendship are among the winning secrets of a growing class, also popular with young people.” said the President of the J/24 Italian Class, Pietro Diamanti.
