North-easterly winds gusting to 35-40 knots on Sunday morning led to an early conclusion of the final day of racing at the Swan 45 Memorial Giorgio Falck organised by the Club Nautico Scarlino, in Maremma, Italy.

The last race of the regatta took place on Saturday and turned out to be the toughest and most spectacular of the series. Eleven teams battling a north-easterly blowing at 30 knots ensured plenty of cavorting on the flat seas of the Gulf of Follonica. Well handled risky broaching and numerous ripped sails plagued all the crews, but most of the fleet managed to finish the race in truly challenging conditions.

Overall victory went to the Americans on Vixen helmed by her owner Dick Weismann who kept the Italians’ attempts to threaten her lead at bay. Second place for Startrading (Stefano Masi) and third for Kora 3 (Enrico Scerni).

Weismann, commenting on his win, said: “This is a great race course with excellent wind and flat water; it guarantees the ideal conditions for our boats. We are very happy with the organisation of the Marina and the Club Nautico. The Memorial Giorgio Falck turned out to be a great practice race in view of the other competitions like Capri and Cowes. We will certainly be back next year and I truly believe that the future of the Swan 45 Class is here in Europe.”

Overall Results (with 2 discards)
1.Vixen, Dick Weismann, Usa (24 points)
2.Startrading Stefano Masi, Ita (33 points)
3.Kora 3, Enrico Scerni, Ita (34 points)
4.Atlantica, Carlo Perrone, Ita (44 points)
5.Talj, Vittorio Ruggiero, Ita (44 points)
6.Jeroboam Ca’Nova, Vittorio Codecasa, Ita (48 points)
7.Charisma, Nico Poons, Ned (63 points)
8.Cuor di Leone, Leonardo Ferragamo, Ita (68 points)
9.T.Too-Pilot, Francesco Martino, Ita (70 points)
10.Mandolino, Diego Visconti, Ita (73 points)
11.Blue Nights, Tea Ekengren, Fin (85 points)