Monaco Apr. 3 – With 37 boats on one start line, the opening day of the Alcatel J/70 Cup hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco featured a large and competitive fleet gathering once again in the glamorous waters off Montecarlo for the J/70 Open Italian National Championship. The reigning Italian National Champion Franco Solerio racing L’elagain leads after three races. Tied with equal points is the second place Corinthian team Mummy One owned by Alessio Querin. The provisional podium is completed by Ludovico Fassitelli’s Junda (Yacht Club de Monaco).

Today’s three races sailed under light and unstable wind kept the tacticians on their toes. The wind speed rarely exceeded ten knots, whilst the racing was not physically taxing, today’s shifting breeze was a real test of tactical awareness; several team going black flag on the first racew and a highly competitive start line, were indicative of the competition within the fleet.

The final day of racing wraps up tomorrow, Sunday, April 3. The warning signal at 11 in hopes of completing two more races in order to discard the worst score. To crank up the more light weather is anticipated for tomorrow.

Day One Results (Top 5 of 37; 3 races)

L’elagain, Franco Solerio, ITA, 3-1-6; 10 pnt

Mummy One, Alessio Querin, ITA, 4-2-4; 10 pnt

Junda, Ludovico Fassitelli, MON, 5-8-10; 23 pnt

Magie, Alessandro Zampori, ITA, 2-15-8; 25 pnt

5. Brutus, Charles Thomson , UK, 6, 11, 11 ; 28 pnt