Report 44Cup Marstrand und C31 Imperia
Cold and windy in a mediterranean success
After a solid start to the season with the RC44 in Porto Cervo, we were about to return to Marstrand. Memories of the 44Cup Marstrand 2024 were still fresh in our minds, as we had run aground during training last year and were only able to start thanks to a lot of luck.
44Cup Marstrand
24 – 28 June 2025, Marstrand, Sweden
Sweden is always worth a visit, especially for Midsummer Day in June. And anyone considering Sweden as a travel destination does not, of course, expect mediterranean conditions. However, according to the weather forecast, conditions similar to previous years awaited us: while the people of Switzerland were groaning under a heatwave (for many of us, it quickly becomes too hot), we were almost looking forward to the Swedish summer with temperatures of around 13 degrees and 20 knots of wind. In these conditions, even raindrops feel like hailstones on your skin. But dressed functionally for the weather – waterproof with thermal underwear and a cap – we were ready to start training.
Unfortunately, the practice race day had to be cancelled due to strong winds and high waves, so we had to go straight from training into the competition.
This was somewhat of a disadvantage, as there were now twelve yachts jostling at the starting line. What made the procedure even more demanding at the start proved to be a real challenge during the buoy manoeuvres: the distances were even tighter and there was a real fight for every centimetre. After some initial difficulties in coordination, we found our feet and got better and better.
At the beginning of the year, we set ourselves the goal of establishing ourselves in the middle of the field over the season. Experience shows that sailing in the middle of the field is both demanding and tough, as there are always several yachts rounding the buoys at the same time. Often, luck also plays a role and a gap opens up spontaneously, while the next time you have to line up at the back of the pack again. Then the results beyond 6th place are particularly painful, as many points can quickly add up. Nevertheless, these races are extremely instructive and interesting because you are constantly involved in position battles and have to attack or defend yourself. In the end, we finished in 7th place overall, tied on points with the 6th position. Once again, the gaps in terms of length at the finish line were often very close, which is also reflected in the tight distribution of points in the final standings. Nevertheless, we are satisfied with our performance, even if there is clearly room for improvement.
We are now focusing our attention on the World Championships in Scheveningen at the end of August. This regatta venue is known for its strong currents, while depending on the weather, little to strong winds can be expected. We will keep you posted.
Find more photos of the regatta in our RC44 picture gallery.
Cape 31 Imperia Regatta
C31 Med Circuit 2025 | Round 3, 27 June – 1 July 2025, Imperia, Italy
After the sobering regatta in Porquerolles, we had many discussions with each other. Based on the results and feedback, I gained the impression that too little improvement could be achieved with the existing crew, and came to the conclusion that changes had to be made in some positions. Although patience is required when promoting young sailors, we came to the conclusion that the team would benefit more if individual positions were optimised and we relied on more experience.
Victor Marino, who normally coaches us, took over the trimming of the mainsail. And with Pierluigi de Felice, who has already enjoyed success as a floater in the Black Star GC32 world championship team, and Alberto Puga on the bow, we were able to bring the desired experience on board.
Despite the mixed results, Porquerolles was of course a valuable experience for us. We arrived in Imperia two days early to discuss and practise our procedures, but above all to optimise the settings on the mast and sails. In direct comparison with other teams, it quickly became clear that we had improved significantly since Porquerolles and, above all, that we were faster in light conditions.
This was confirmed on the first day of the regatta, when we won the opening race and finished second in the second race. In a field of 16 Cape 31 yachts, we were always able to keep up with the leading group. Even when we got off to a bad start, we managed to get back into the leading positions thanks to our speed and, at times, a little tactical luck.
In the end, we finished the regatta in third place on the podium.
You can find photos of the regatta in our Cape 31 picture gallery.
Next regattas
The highlight of the season is the RC44 World Championship in Scheveningen in a few weeks’ time. We are confident that we can take another step forward and hope that we are 100% ready as a team to force the necessary luck in the competition.
We will be sailing the European Championship in Palma de Mallorca in October with the Cape 31. Thanks to the positive outcome in Imperia, we are also looking forward to this event with great excitement.