TEAM GILL REPORT FROM PORTISCO

From Team Gill - It has been clear since the 2003 Melges24 World Championship in San Francisco that the hot new national class is emerging in Italy. The quality of the class in terms of breadth and depth is now unparalleled anywhere in the World and is underwritten by the number of Olympic, World Championship and indeed America’s Cup sailors competing.

GBR431 Team Gill has since competed in two Italian National Championships; Scarlino, Tuscany in 2004 and Portisco, Sardinia in 2005. In all aspects these have been two amazing events; excellent event/race management, forty plus boats, and tough competition throughout the fleet. Did I forget to mention the venues? These are just fabulous. If you have not had the opportunity to visit these parts of Italy you will hardly believe what terrific venues they are for competitors and families alike.

The journey for us was straightforward with a special deal available from MobyLines the local ferry company. The crew arrived via one of the several direct daily flights from London. Baking hot sunshine and temperatures in the 300C+ were then with us for the entire week. The journey from Airport to Portisco was just 20 minutes. With a little advance planning we had been able to book a room in the Marina Hotel. The race area, organiser’s office, marina berth, restaurants and bars were all a few metres and within line of sight from our idyllic hotel room balcony – what more could one ask for?

During the 5 days racing we had a mix of wind conditions, everything from 5 to 40 knots, when the Mistral arrived in full force. In some situations the breeze direction was stable but in others it was variable. To succeed in this championship one would have to be a true master sailing team. In 2004 we were fortunate to finish first, this year fourth. We are delighted with these results.

Already Team Gill has decided in 2006 to compete in a number of regattas in Italy as well as the National Championship. The Volvo Series is exceptional and for sure a number of international teams will be competing in 2006. This series will be the ideal way to prepare for any team who is serious about the 2006 World Championship in Hyèrès.

Portisco is rapidly emerging as a classy venue alongside the established Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo on the Costa Smeralda. The Italian National Class is submitting a proposeal to host the 2008 World Championship in this area. For sure this is a great opportunity for the class to have one of the best World Championships ever.

For full reports, results and images visit www.melges24.it