First time published: 2019Apr18

ORC: the VIP boat at the start.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri

S.R.: Coolest New season start for the sail on the Lago di Como

I’m a bit late in the report this time, just because I’m human. Last week I was in Monaco for the Swan One Design Stage that I left it earlier, Friday late noon (luckily http://bit.ly/2VNIVuZ), to drive 400[km] back home to be on the field the Saturday morning.

Where???
At my home club, Circolo Velico Tivano, on the Lago di Lecco (for the rest of the world: east leg of Lake of Como), to shoot the first main event of the 2019 Sailing Season:

18° Coppa Città Valmadrera, 

9° Trofeo Lario Mi Auto (LandRover).

The event also has hosted the 1° Stage of the Campionato Velico del Lario (O.R.C.) and the 2° stage of the Coppa Italia AON H22 Class. And, since Torben Grael participated to the Italian Championship 3 years ago, the club with H22 organise the 2° Trofeo Projeto Grael, to rise funds to help his association.

I was worried during the transferring for the weather forecast, but the lake has showed a first day with chilly sunny noon with a good Breva up to 12-15[kts].
ORC: The young team on the Melges 24 ITA-122 Neghene'.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
Really much better sailing condition than in Monaco. So the O.R.C. has made 2 races and the H22 class 3 races as had been planned.

The notorious mountain in the Manzoni's book: Resegone covered by the last snow.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriH22: BREVA ITA-106 and the "spring-time" landscape: the Resegone covered by the last snow.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriAnother story Sunday, the forecast models were right: the snow arrived till 500[m]amsl and temp. air=6.5-7[°C], a small hole of blue sky has fired up the hope, but soon it started to circling around the lake till to the north, where it had been filled up and killing all hopes.
H22 Sunday departure.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriCVT & H22: The R.C. support, running with the N (November) flag in front to the H22 in one of the attempts.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
In this situation the optimism and attempts of the R.C. to try to start the regattas, also with crooked fields, should be noted. Result: one shorted race for H22 and a delete race for ORC under heavy rain and no wind.
H22: ITA-201 Altatensione crew after the reduction under the rain.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriORC: La Zia with Enea Beretta, manager of CVL, at the sheets.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriMix of classes, ORC and H22 + J24 on background.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriH22: ITA-119 Adrenalina and ITA-112 KIKKIO downwind surfing battle.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriThe H22 class has seen dominance (and revenge over the Primo Cup) of ITA-143 Splinter, the Italian Champ. in charge, followed by ITA-119 Adrenalina, which did a terrible mistake in the last race. All departures were a “mess” specially considering the long starting line available. On the boat with the colors of Projeto Grael Davide Casetti hosted the record-man Alessandro “Dado” Castelli (http://bit.ly/2DfMfrq) and his daughter Emma.

copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriThe O.R.C. event, considering the meteo, has a good participation, with 23 boats on the line, showing the growing success in the years (as alternative to dying one-design classes). In particular the championship is attracting more and more big boats (30+ feet) and high performance in the ORC A, while the J24+Platu25 in the ORC B are making the “class” really on fire.

ORC: OCEsse ITA-72, the Esse850 with "star" sailors on board.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
First of all I’ve to mention the new entry: the ESSE-850 ITA-72 (launch just in January 2018) with a stellar crew: Carlo Fracassoli (x2 World and EU Champion and sail designer http://bit.ly/2Diw2C2), Dario Noseda (first to cross the ocean in a Star http://bit.ly/2Diw2C2 ) and Oriano Lanfranconi at the helm. Second, the comprehensible lack of the 2 old ladies of the lake: the 2 classic 6m I.R. I-58 BAU BAU and Z-107 Gitana Junior, “Due perle di Lago”.
The ORC A has been dominated by the V.I.P. crew followed by a good performance of the Melges24 ITA-122 Neghene’.
ORC: The narrow fight of the ORC at the first mark.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriORC: Battle of class, J24 tacking near the shore.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriIn the ORC B, the fight was really strong in particular between the 4 J24 (3 veterans of the World Champ. in Riva del Garda) and the J80. Here we had 2 protests and a couple of injured sailors (I would say a normal situation for the first race, that needs break-in).
ORC: The big crash and protest in the J-Boat family: J80 bowsprit in the stern of J24.
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriSo the Winner of 2019 is:

9° Trofeo Lario Mi Auto (LandRover): ITA-143 Splinter (Stefano Nonnis)

ORC: The winner: ITA-143 Splinter (Stefano Nonnis) with the trophy in the hands in front to the new Evoque.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
Last note I want share is for my club and CVL organization for the great job they did, I know I’m “parte in causa”, but with their small resources, they have been able to keep a high level standard on the water (fast deploy of the field) and on ground with “squisito” food and friendly mood.
CVT: Giovanni, one of instructor, who has also the duty of ambulance this year.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
CVT: Dessert con colomba e primizie.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
CVT: Marzio the Chef at work with flames.
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
Now it’s time for families with the Holy Easter and World Cup in Genova are coming (on streaming).
Stay Tune.

Results tables:

C.V.L.: General Stage 1: 2 races

1. ITA-72 OCEsse Oriano Lanfranconi (2=1;1)
2. ITA-122 Neghene’ Fabio Proverbio (4=2;2)
3. SUI-180 GRAND SURPRISE (Mario Vecchio)(6=3;3)

1. ITA-476 Déjavù Ruggero Spreafico (3=1;2)
2. ITA-499 Grifone KONG Marco Stefanoni (4=2;3)
3. ITA-469 Bruschetta Guasta Feste Sergio Agostoni (4.5=3;1)

ORC C Class: http://bit.ly/2V15ZcC

1. ARG-200 MALBEC 200 Giuseppe Sola (4.5=3;1)
2. ITA-2 Surprise Massimo Bianchi (6=2;4)
3. ITA-17521 La Bella Lena Francesco Saccardo (6=3;3)

1. ITA-143 Splinter Stefano Nonnis (4=3;1;2;1)
2. ITA-119 Adrenalina Michele De Gennaro (10=4;5;1;DNF)
3. ITA-123 Bleak (Matteo Nasini) (10=9;3;3;4)

Main Galleries Folder: http://bit.ly/2DgVc3Y
Main Galleries Folder 2019: http://bit.ly/2D7VwBV
Stage 1: http://bit.ly/2D9qfyf
Stage 2: http://bit.ly/2DgXyzM

Slideshows:

Additional links:
Circolo Velico Tivano: http://www.tivanovela.it
Campionato Velico del Lario 2019 (O.R.C.):  http://bit.ly/2IiT6Rm
Alessandro "Dado" Castelli: http://bit.ly/2DiGJo2
Saily record report: http://bit.ly/2DfMfrq
Circolo Vela Bellano Trofeo Castelli: http://bit.ly/2DiGE3I

First time published: 2018Apr01

Huge Envil shape cloud of the storm
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri

FINALE COL BOTTO, The Swan has flown in the eye of the storm! - Day 2 Report from the field

After a mild 3rd day (I wasn’t there), the press office had the mood a bit down, and crews were worried of the arrive of the wind or another storm.
As I’m local, my worries were when the slot would be closed and we would be under the stormy shower (already had the experience the October 3rd 2015 flooding, https://youtu.be/4gymO_JM8aU).

But again the paradise of the Côte d’Azur has show the best for the sailors and shooters!
Long Waves and Good Fast Wind and Sunshine has given a great Start to the Show.
ClubSwan50: Departure
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriAll team were ready to fight and doesn’t leave easy life to the leader, in particular in the class of 50’ where the patron was leading the regatta.
ClubSwan45: the hard job of the bowman
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: SUI 5004 MATHILDE in front to  ITA 5016 CUORDILEONE
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: gate approach with storm clusters
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriAs pictures showing from south west big stormy cells were watching us, and the end of the 2nd race has obliged to change trouser, at least to protect from the chilly wind. At the end the sun is back.
During the last race at the mark before jibe to rise the gennaker Bronenosec '50 RUS-5017 has crash the bowsprit into the stern of Skorpidi RUS-5007. At time to write, luckily only doing light damages to the boat is known.
ClubSwan50: off-set before the crashcopyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: RUS 50007 SKORPIOS and RUS 5017 BRONENOSEC in contact at the mark
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: RUS 50007 SKORPIOS and RUS 5017 BRONENOSEC in contact at the mark (crop)
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: RUS 50007 SKORPIOS and RUS 5017 BRONENOSEC after the contact at the mark
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: RUS 50007 SKORPIOS and RUS 5017 BRONENOSEC after the contact at the mark (crop)
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan50: RUS 50007 SKORPIOS crew repairing part od damages at the docks
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
The event has closed with the prize giving.
ClubSwan50: ITA 5016 CUORDILEONE with Leonardo Ferragamo and his crew
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan42: ITA 17325 Far Star with champagne
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriWhat else to say, I wait to see  the next year event bigger number of boat because Swan’s event is for the sailing and sailors!!!
Buona Pasqua!

Final Results:

Class ClubSwan42 http://bit.ly/2I6Kroz Races 9

1. ITA 17325 Far Star (Lorenzo Mondo) [1;1;1;2;2;1;2;1;2] Pt.: 13
2. ITA 42171 Digital Bravo (Alberto Franchi) [2;2;2;1;1;2;3;1] Pt.: 17
3. ITA 4220 MELA (Andrea Rossi) [3;3;3;3;3;3;1;2;DNF=4] Pt.: 25

Class ClubSwan45 http://bit.ly/2I353OP Races 9

1. ESP 10222 PORRON IX (Luis Senis Segarra) [2;1;1;1;1;2;1;1;1] Pt.: 11
2. ITA 15000 ANGE TRANSPARENT 2 (Valter Pizzoli) [1;2;2;2;2;1;2;2;2] Pt.: 16
3. GBR 4502 MISS K CHECKMATE (Piermarco Babando) [3;3;3;DNF=4;3;OCS=4;3;3;3] Pt.: 29

Class ClubSwan50 http://bit.ly/2I63Fe0 Races 9

1. ITA 5016 CUORDILEONE (Leonardo Ferragamo) [1;1;2;4;1;3;1;4;2] Pt.: 19
2. SUI 5004 MATHILDE (Kielland Morten) [2;2;4;1;2;1;2;5;1] Pt.: 20
3. RUS 50007 SKORPIOS (Andrey Konogorov) [3;3;1;2;4;4;3;2;D+D=2] Pt.: 24
4. RUS 5017 BRONENOSEC (Vladimir Liubomirov) [5;4;5;3;3241Ret=6] Pt:33
5. SWE 5015 RAVENGER (Roger Samuelsson) [4;5;3;5;5;5;5;3;3] Pt: 38

First time published: 2019Apr12

The N (November) flag is running on the field
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri

COLPO DI CODA DELLO SCORPIONE - Day 2 Report from the field

ClubSwan50: Skorpidi RUS-5007
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriI was thinking to use a more specific Italian expression <<“Colpo di C…” per lo scorpione >> but we remain kind…
Departure of the class Swan50
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriEven if the starting line is long enough, the ClubSwan 50 has decided to be concentrated on the pin with 2 boats RUS-5007 and SUI-5004 has tried to start left tack from the pin, but the rest of fleet with ITA-50016 has push them back, also the leader of the standing RUS-5007, has been obliged to continue right tack initially with SUI-5004 and later with ITA-5010, finishing so the last to arrive to the first mark.
The leader is boxed inside after she tried to start with left (port) tack
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriCuorDiLeone has found the space to tack and overtake, behind, the rest of the fleet and at on the lay-line only OneGroup was in front to all fleet.
Downwind for Swan 50 fleet
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
With a huge tactical decision on downwind leg, around half field CurDiLeone has decide to jibe, an action that paid: the blue boat has crossed the gate in first position, the same for Perhonen.
The great tactical decision of CuordiLeone ITA-5016
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriOnce all fleet was already upwind, the R.C. has decided to use the blue checked flag (N). So all of us went back, wet, at home. The other fleet has a good departure too, but they decided to be in “sguarata” formation, flying for the most of the time alone.
Departure of the ClubSwan 42 and 45, with a very very lazy mood...
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
Did I mention the weather??? Not so, very light wind still from 070°, 2-5[kts] with gust maybe 8[kts], overcast and light shower. Yes a typical noon British weather.
So as the title says, the only boat happy for the N flag is the leader of the standing of each class, in particular Skorpios that was in the last position.
The happiness of the Skorpios team for the N flag copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
At the end to close the day, we had the visit of the Old Lady of the YCM: Her Majesty TUIGA D-3. So I've had the possibility to shoot the two swans of the sea: the Club Swan 50 "In one word, this yacht had to be cool, developed by Juan Kouyoumdjian" (quote from Swan site) and the TUIGA D-3 m15 by William Fife the m15 king.
The new Swan 50 Perhonen GBR-023 in front the the Old Lady m15I TUIGA-D3
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriAll are with crossed fingers for tomorrow for a better meteo, for me also it's time to load the car and drive to Lago di Como for the begin of the season on the lake with O.R.C., H22, J24 and Platu25 classes, the number of boats expected is around 40 (last time for a so big number was with the J24 Italian Championship). I hope the Breva (southerly wind) will makes the dynamic.

Results tables:

General Stage 2: 1 races
ClubSwan 42 Class http://bit.ly/2UehM2Q

1. ITA-17325 FAR STAR Michele MALANDRA (1=1)
2. BEL-555 ANDANTE IV Bernard MARCHANT(2=2)
3. FRA-37258 ZAPPY Christophe WARGNY S(3=3)

ClubSwan 45 Class http://bit.ly/2Ua4bt0

1. ESP-10222 PORRON IX Luis SENIS (1=1)
2. ITA-1500 ANGE TRANSPARENT 2 Valter PIZZOLI (2=2)
3. GBR-45026 MISS K CHECKMATE Giuseppe CORBETTA (3=3)

ClubSwan 50 Class http://bit.ly/2U5aVsd

1. RUS-5007 SKORPIOS Dmitry RYBOLOVLEV (1=1)
2. ITA-5016 CUORDILEONE Carlo di Borbone-Due Sicilie (2=2)
3. SUI-5004 MATHILDE Morten KIELLAND (3=3)

First time published: 2019Apr11

First Departure of the event
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri

 BICCHIERE MEZZO PIENO - Day 1 Report from the field

Thanks to the good mood of the Race Committee, the first day has brought at home one race for each class.
Maybe a bit too much conservative to try to launch the second race that at the end this has brought to rise the AP flag over Alpha flag (in my opinion, I would taken the risk to launch the ClubSwan 50 a.s.a.p arrived the last of it and if needed delete the race on a Mark, but the R.C. know his job, and I was just on the press-boat).

ClubSwan 50: Perhonen GBR-023
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriThe crown of the beautiful of the year is the last born Perhonen GBR-023 with her RED paint, Sorry Mathilde! Also a note for the “cangiante” blue-grey-violet of Stella Maris.

In the big class the fight is very close, and with a great tactics the race has been dominated by Skorpios (that had been k… damage in the crash last year).
ClubSwan50: ITA-50016 CUORDILEONE with S.A.R. Principe Carlo di Borbone delle Due Sicilie and Ken Read on the finish line
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriThe flagship of the fleet CuordiLeone, helmed by the guest S.A.R. Principe Carlo di Borbone delle Due Sicilie supported by the King of the sails Ken Read, a regal boat, didn’t have a good first part, but at the end has showed a very good speed and has closed the gap with the first. At the third place we find MATHILDE SUI-5004 that on the second hoist of gennaker had a caramella (candy).
ClubSaw50:  MATHILDE SUI-5004 with the caremella
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriFor the others classes, due to some defection (it’s really a pity that owners of 42 and 45 are not more active in Monaco) and the time spent to follow the bigger one, I’ve few word for them, in any case on the arrival line, the the fight was still on fire.
ClubSwan45: battle between ESP-10222 PORRON IX and ITA-1500 ANGE TRANSPARENT 2 on the downwind leg
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan45: battle between ESP-10222 PORRON IX and ITA-1500 ANGE TRANSPARENT 2 on the arrival line
 copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan42: BEL-555 ANDANTE IV at the finish line
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriIt was clear that more emotion than last year was impossible  but the forecasts are switching off our hopes for the rest of the event, so we keep fingers crossed.
Clouds over the bay, signs of no wind and rain in approach
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri

Results tables:

ClubSwan 42 Class http://bit.ly/2UehM2Q

1. ITA-17325 FAR STAR Michele MALANDRA (1=1)
2. BEL-555 ANDANTE IV Bernard MARCHANT(2=2)
3. FRA-37258 ZAPPY Christophe WARGNY S(3=3)

ClubSwan 45 Class http://bit.ly/2Ua4bt0

1. ESP-10222 PORRON IX Luis SENIS (1=1)
2. ITA-15000 ANGE TRANSPARENT 2 Valter PIZZOLI (2=2)
3. GBR-45026 MISS K CHECKMATE Giuseppe CORBETTA (3=3)

ClubSwan 50 Class http://bit.ly/2U5aVsd

1. RUS-5007 SKORPIOS Dmitry RYBOLOVLEV (1=1)
2. ITA-50016 CUORDILEONE Carlo di Borbone-Due Sicilie (2=2)
3. SUI-50004 MATHILDE Morten KIELLAND (3=3)

Main Galleries Folder: http://bit.ly/2WXlHCR
Main Galleries Folder 2019: http://bit.ly/2WNBIeu
Day 1: http://bit.ly/2WVsE7s

First time published: 2018Mar30


ClubSwan 50: SUI5004 MATHILDE is riding the wave
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri

RIDE THE WAVE - Day 2 Report from the field

If weather is still confirmed, the 29 will be the best day for racing, with gust up to 24[kts]. This was my closure yesterday…
R.C. Boat with AP flag SUI5004 MATHILDE
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriThis morning AP signal was again UP already at quarter to ten local! For… …lack/variable wind and layer of middle/low clouds everywhere. The day wasn’t looking good, time to do other stuff (yes I was pessimist). With the arrive of holes in the sky some breeze started to show, the Race Committee went out and racers too.
But outside the port the surprise: swell already formed probably arriving from Marseille, and more getting closer to the race field and more the wind became strong.
ClubSwan 50;
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriPress R.I.B. was jumping up and down, Marks buoys difficult to be placed and some report at the upwind mark says wind at 30-45[kts] and big waves; Safety concerns rise and wait continue. Yes this time weather forecast were quite precise and the wind arrive strong. During the wait crews had had time to change sails.

A Fantastic pipe of cloud from the rotor/orogaphical wave
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriThe good is the arrive of the sun, that has showed a spectacular cloud rotor long all peaks from Cap Ferrat to SanRemo as showed in the panoramic picture (in 30 years I don’t remember a so fast change of conditions and so particularly energetic).
Shooters paradise: wind, waves, perfect light, well sailor and boats too: they showed the power of the Cyguns (Astronomic for Swan).
ClubSwan 50;
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
ClubSwan 45: Ange Trasparent 2 ITA15000; Miss K Checkmate GBR45026;
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan 50: CuordiLeone ITA5016, maybe we don't need a shower later...
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
Again the R.C: has been obliged to modified the second upwind of race 4 relocating the mark closer; so well done to R.C. and Organisers.
ClubSwan 42: Far Star ITA17325 downwind and wave down
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan 50: CuordiLeone ITA5016 is surfing with the patron at the wheel
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
Unluckily the paradise ended soon, due to wind changing direction and pressure dropping that has brought to delete the 2nd race with November on Alpha flags and considering already 17:00L the equation was go home and relax (with a beer).
Full under downwind for ClubSwan 42: Digital Bravo ITA42171; Far Star ITA17325; MELA ITA4220;
copyright © photo Alexander PanzeriClubSwan42 in submarine style
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
ClubSwan 50: SUI5004 MATHILDE crew
copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri
For me the 3rd day is day off. Weather has an improvement, but the spectrum of low wind and rain is still there.
Stay Tuned!

Standing Day 2:

1. ITA 17325 Far Star (Lorenzo Mondo) [1;1;1;2] Pt.: 5
2. ITA 42171 Digital Bravo (Alberto Franchi) [2;2;2;1] Pt.: 7
3. ITA 4220 MELA (Andrea Rossi) [3;3;3;3] Pt.: 12

Class ClubSwan45 http://bit.ly/2IawR3V

1. ESP 10222 PORRON IX (Luis Senis Segarra) [2;1;1;1] Pt.: 5
2. ITA 15000 ANGE TRANSPARENT 2 (Valter Pizzoli) [1;2;2;2] Pt.: 7
3. GBR 4502 MISS K CHECKMATE (Piermarco Babando) [3;3;3;DNF=4] Pt.: 13

Class ClubSwan50 http://bit.ly/2IawR3V

1. ITA 5016 CUORDILEONE (Leonardo Ferragamo) [1;1;2;4] Pt.: 8
2. SUI 5004 MATHILDE (Kielland Morten) [2;2;4;1] Pt.: 9
3. RUS 50007 SKORPIOS (Andrey Konogorov) [3;3;1;2] Pt.: 9
4. RUS 5017 BRONENOSEC (Vladimir Liubomirov) [5;4;5;3] Pt:17
5. SWE 5015 RAVENGER (Roger Samuelsson) [4;5;3;5] Pt: 17