Victory for Alinghi

After the Decision 35's Grand Prix de Beaulieu-sur-Mer concludes

After four days of the Grand Prix de Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the Decision 35s, racing for the first time outside of Lake Geneva, were able to get in 10 races in conditions ranging from 5-15 knots, although Friday was blown off due to excess wind.

Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi team dominated the racing. The team showed great control in windy conditions on the first day and continued to gain momentum throughout the regatta. They won half the races and in ten races finished eight times on the podium.

"We've sailed very well," said Bertarelli. "I think that having sailed together for so many years has allowed us to adapt quickly to new conditions on the sea with the waves. It is through crew coordination and consistency that we have got the best performance out of the boat. We are delighted this event. Racing over four days removes any luck factor in the results."

Michel Desjoyeaux's Foncia came home second in the Grand Prix de Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the French crew French having five podium finishes. "We would have liked a little more success, but we lack consistency and experience in the transitions," commented the double Vendee Globe winner. "We made mistakes that prevented from being fully up to speed for this regatta. Still, we have still achieved good things, like the first day that helped us generally. This regatta has allowed us to clearly identify our competitors for the next Grand Prix. "

There was a fine result for Dona Bertarelli's Ladycat, finishing third overall, winning the last two races. The electric fuchsia-coloured multihull had a very good weekend, the team scoring their first Grand Prix podium. Dona Bertarelli commented: "This regatta has not been easy, but the crew was fine. We had good speed and developed good tactics. For the next regatta, we want to continue this momentum. We have been working towards this podium for five years. The entire crew has earned it."

Marco Simeoni's Veltigroup finished fourth overall, the catamaran skippered by Steve Ravussin finishing on the podium four times including one victory. They were followed by Guy de Picciotto's Zen Too and Torbjorn Tornqvist's Artemis Racing, sailing with a new crew line-up.

Overall in the Vulcain Trophy, after the Grand Prix de Beaulieu-sur-Mer Michel Desjoyeaux's Foncia retains its first position going into the final regatta of the season. Foncia has only finished off the podium in the first Grand Prix of the season and she will be the crew to watch. But  in the season results, Ernesto Bertarelli's Alinghi is just four point behind and will be gunning hard.

The Decision 35s will compete in their last regatta of the Vulcain Trophy, the Grand Prix d'Antibes over 22-25 September.

Results:

Vulcain Trophy standings