The J24 of the Navy La Superba wins the National J24 Regatta

After two beautiful days of sea, wind, almost summer sun, eighteen fierce crews representing numerous fleets, beautiful regattas in the waters in front of the port of Marina di Carrara with the Apuan Alps as a backdrop, the third stage also ended (with a 2.5) of the 2024 National Circuit which, after ten events from March to November in the most beautiful Italian locations, will award the Francesco Ciccolo Perpetual Challenge Trophy – to the first place with no discards – and the J24 Trophy to the best Helmsman-Owner whose score is calculated on the best four races played.

Thanks to five victories of the day out of the seven races held, the multiple Italian champions and reigning vice world champions of the J24 of the Centro Vela Altura Napoli ITA 416 La Superba helmed by Ignazio Bonannoin crew with Gabrio Zandonà, Ciccio Linares, Francesco Picaro and Simone Scontrino (GS MM, 11 points; 1,1,6,1,1,1, partial goals), after the one in Anzio, he also won the heat in Marina di Carrara, perfectly organized by the Club Nautico Marina di Carrara in collaboration with the National Association Class J/24, under the aegis of the Italian Sailing Federation, and also valid as the National J24 Open Regatta – Nino Menchelli Trophy – Italian Cup 2024 and Fabio Apollonio Trophy.

Silver, as in the last edition, for the winner of the third race, Ita 271 Joanna, rigged by Fabrizio Dalla Casa and helmed by Andrea Collina (CNCervia Amici della Vela, 28 points, 9,9,1,3,2,6,7 ) and bronze for the home J24 Ita 483 Per Cinque of Antonio Criscuolo and helmed by Luca Macchiarini (CNMC 28 points; 6,8,3,5,12,4,2). A close podium finish, however, for ITA 212 Jamaica, rigged and helmed by the President of the Italian J24 Class Pietro Diamanti (CNMC, 30 points, 4,3,7,2,15, 11,3 which preceded the protagonist of the final regatta, the J24 German Ger 5269 Pfau by Hauke ​​Kruess (36 points; 8,6,4,6,11,14,1).

“We are satisfied with having won the Italian Cup and the Apollonio Trophy, above all because we raced in difficult and very technical weather and sea conditions, characterized by light winds and strong currents. – commented helmsman Bonanno – This event was a excellent test in view of the European and World championships. We thank the Sports and Sailing Offices of the Navy who always support us in our activities.”

Satisfaction also on the part of the Presidents of the Italian J24 Diamond Class and of the Marina di Carrara Nautical Club Carlandrea Simonelli for the enthusiasm of the crews and for the success of the event which also awarded the Fabio Apollonio Trophy with which we want to remember not only a great president but a dear friend “I am very proud – added Diamanti during the awards ceremony – to have had here, at the Marina di Carrara Nautical Club which is my club, a significant number of boats and a very high level of crews.”

On the first day, four tests were held with constant winds of around 10 knots and a lot of current. A wide route was laid out by the President of the CoR which allowed the crews to spread out along the regatta field. On Sunday, however, the last three tests took place as scheduled, allowing the gap to be applied. The work carried out on board the “Popeye” Jury Boat by the Single Committee chaired by Admiral Luigi D’Amico assisted by the 1st CdR Member Tiziano Menconi and by Gigi Porchera, Laura Olimpia Salvatore and Vincenzo Luigi De Meo was excellent.

Once the first three stages have been archived -Anzio, Salerno won by Ita 427 Jebedee of the Apulian Fleet Chief Nino Soriano and Marina di Carrara-, the J24 Fleet will remain in Tuscany but will move to the nearby Labronic waters for the fourth which will be organized on 27 and 28 April by the Italian Naval League sec. of Livorno as part of the International Sailing Week Naval Academy and City of Livorno.