Following a dominant display throughout the entire regatta, the last day of finals was like a coronation of Team DutchSail - Janssen de Jong. Flawless in strong wind and able to fly in barely a ripple when gravity seemingly weighed more heavily on their competitors, the Dutch team demonstrated absolute mastery of the Persico 69F over the last two weeks on Lake Garda.

With no question as to who would stand atop the podium, thankfully the race to determine the rest of the podium was full of drama. Team France led Young Azzurra into the final day with a razor-thin advantage of only half a point. With all to play for, Young Azzurra clearly stated their intentions by winning the first race of the day. Team France countered with a win in race three, only for the Sardinian team to fight back with another win in race four. The French team finally put an end to the rivalry by winning the double-points final race of the day to secure the second step on the podium by a single point. 

“It was a great event. We stuck together really well and every day we followed a great routine. We looked at every race as a new race and took nothing for granted. In that way, we were ready for every race, and I think we performed well.” - Cas van Dongen, Team DutchSail - Janssen de Jong 

With the best 69F sailors on Lake Garda already determined, it was time for some of the best sailors in the world to award the prizes. Special guests Ruggero Tita, Tokyo Gold medalist in the Nacra 17, and Checco Bruni, helmsman for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the America’s Cup, did the honours. 

Before handing over the prizes, Checco Bruni had a surprise for the young sailors. He announced that he has created a new 69F event at his home yacht club in Sferracavallo, Sicily to test some of the world’s best sailors on the one-design foiling platform. Additionally, the winner of the YFGC Super Final on the 3rd of November would be sponsored by Algebris Investments for the event, so the best of sailing’s future could measure themselves up against the current superstars in a champion of champions format. More details to come.

OVERALL RANKING - YFGC ACT 2

122,5 Team DutchSail- Janssen de Jong 
81,5 Team France 
80,5 Young Azzurra 
54,0 Fraglia Vela Riva 
48,0 Okalys Youth Project 
39,0 Amor

Text Credits: Conrad Colman
Photo Credits: Marta Rovatti Studihrad / 69Fmedia