We’re back in Italy after delivering the boat north from Garda to Medemblik, Holland for it’s owner Andy MacDonald to use at the Delta Lloyd Regatta and then huffing it back down to Viareggio. When we left Holland it was raining and 55 degrees, and since we’ve arrived in Viareggio it’s been hanging in the 70s and the sun is out, big time. We’re not the only ones here either. Besides the US Star Team, there are 150 other boats from all around the world training and tuning waiting for the 2010 European Championships to begin. As hard as it may be to believe, this will be the largest Star event ever. EVER! Pretty wild. Luckily, this is a major tourist town on the Italian Riviera, so there are plenty of hotels and restaurants to handle us. Likewise, the marina is massive, the home to both the local Coast Guard, but also a monstrous Perini Navi facility as well as a number of impressive mega-yacht boatyards. We’re definitely some of the smallest boats on the moorings (not a role we’re used to playing when there are 470s and Lasers in the boatparks elsewhere). The club is rolling out the red carpet for us no doubt. And we’re excited to get this show on the road. We’ve had about five days of nice tuning with coach Mark Ivey and we’re ready to go and defend our new ranking: 6th in the World! Its actually quite exciting to have three Americans in the top 6!
Having been in Europe since we delivered the boat to Garda in late April, I’m excited to get this regatta going so I can get back to the States. That said, Viareggio has a very San Diego-like feel. The boys make jokes about how similar the place is to Marina del Ray with its inland mountains, light air and a hint of swell. The water is a fair amount warmer in reality, but the palm lined streets and big dusty boatyards are a comforting sight. We’re not lacking for good Italian food either.
More pictures and updates to come. Racing starts Monday. Follow the regatta at: http://www.stareuropean2010.it/eng/
On the waters in Italy? Amazing…
Good luck tomorrow!
