Platu 25 World Championship, Sandro Montefusco ed Euz II sul tetto del mondo
EnglishIn evidenzaMonotipiaPlatu 25Vela 3 Giugno 2011 Zerogradinord 0
Gmunden – Sono Sandro Montefusco e l’equipaggio di Euz II i nuovi campioni del mondo della classe Platu 25. Il team guidato dal timoniere pugliese ha avuto ragione degli spagnoli di Gaes MundoMarino e dei tedeschi di Falkone al termine di un evento che ha dominato sin dalla prima giornata di regate, incurante dell’estrema variabilità delle condizioni meteo e del vento leggerissimo, a tratti impalpabile.
Oggi, per la giornata conclusiva, il Lago Traunsee ha mostrato il suo volto migliore e ha regalato ai protagonisti della manifestazione una fresca brezza da nord-est che ha esaltato gli equipaggi spagnoli, scivolati in classifica in seguito alla pessima giornata di ieri. A imporsi nella prima manche odierna, mentre Euz II si accontentava di difendere la vetta con un ottimo quarto posto, sono stati gli uomini di Collection Coppel Dental. Spagnolo anche il secondo classificato: Gaes MundoMarino, portato dal campione olimpico iberico Paco Sanchez.
L’ultima prova del Mondiale, disputata con Euz II in vantaggio di sedici punti sul migliore degli inseguitori, non ha certo lesinato emozioni. Il vento, salito sino ai 20 nodi, ha inciso sul coefficiente di difficoltà della manche e non sono mancati incroci al limite del regolamento, proteste e numeri “da circo”. A cavarsi la soddisfazione del successo è stato il team di Gaes MundoMarino, che ha difeso l’argento iridato dall’assalto di Falkone, undicesimo di manche e terzo overall.
Una volta a terra, un soddisfattissimo Sandro Montefusco ha commentato: “Finalmente due regate perfette, con vento tra i 16 e i 20 nodi. Non ci aspettavamo certo condizioni del genere dopk aver sofferto per tutta la settimana. Nella prima manche siamo partiti bene e abbiamo difeso la posizione fin sulla linea. Nella seconda siamo partiti male e le cose si sono fatte complicate. Alla prima boa eravamo quindicesimi ma siamo stati determinati nel rimontare posizioni e ha goderci il diritto di vivere la grande emozione della vittoria“.
Per trovare il secondo equipaggio italiano bisogna scorrere la classifica sino al quinto posto, occupato da Nanuk del tattico Lorenzo Bressani.
PLATU 25 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THE WINNER IS…
[Platu 25 World Championship Press Release] Exciting final day for the Platu 25 Worlds with two races in stiff breeze. The Italian crew of Euz II are crowned World champions, the Spanish on Mundo Marino are silver and German team Falkone gets the bronze.
It was Lake Traunsee at its best today. Finally the fresh breeze that everyone has been waiting for the whole championship arrived in Gmunden, guaranteeing a spectacular finale to the 2011 Platu 25 Worlds. The fleet left the marina at 10 a.m. finding a good north-easterly of more than 15 knots for the first race of the day. A lot was at stake, especially for the Spanish teams who lived a disappointing day yesterday but were quick in recovering. Collection Coppel Dental helmed by Jose Manuel Perez, scored a first, Gaes MundoMarino skippered by one of the best Spanish talents, the Olympic Champion Paco Sánchez closed in second while third place went to Matahambre. As the Iberians were fighting to climb back to the top positions, less was asked to the provisional leaders of Euz II for whom a fourth was enough to stay in the top spot with a solid 16 points advantage on their competitors.
And thus it was the second and final race to represent the very last chance to jump on the other steps of the podium. With a wind topping 20 knots, the 46 Platu 25 fought to the last tack, with overcrowded mark roundings and several protests. As Euz II closed their Worlds in grand style with a third place, the other teams were battling for decisive points. It was Gaes MundoMarino to cross the finish line in first, followed by the German team Five 4 the Eight. Falkone were eleventh, not one of their best results in the series, but enough to get the third overall position. As the Jury dismissed the protests the champions were finally free to celebrate and congratulate to each others.
Quotes:
Sandro Montefusco, helmsman on Euz II Monella Viziata: “Finally two perfect races, in 16 to 20 knots of breeze. We were not expecting such a great final day after the weather conditions we had over the week. In the first race we started well and kept our position to the finish, the second one was a bit more complicated, we had a bad start and did not profit from some wind shifts. At a point we were 15th but tried to keep our nerves and slowly climbed back to the first part of the fleet. It’s a great result and a huge emotion”.
A teary-eyed but grinning Francesco Lanera, owner of Euz II declared: “The whole team was hoping for this title, but I’m not used to such a joy. Obviously Sandro Montefusco was a guarantee but I’m not used to this stress! It’s fantastic, I can hardly believe it. I have to thank each and everyone in my crew and my family and sponsors. We showed we are a strong team, determined to win despite the difficult weather conditions and the strain”.
Platu 25 World Championship
1. Euz II, pt. 37
2. Gaes MundoMarino, pt. 51
3. Falkone, pt. 61
4. Bribon Movistar, pt, 64
5. Nanuk, pt. 68
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