Two additional teams have formed to compete in The International Catamaran Challenge Trophy (ICCT) which is scheduled to take place this September at Sail Newport in Newport, RI. America’s Cup veterans Paolo Bassani and Max Sirena, of Italy, will represent the Vela Club Marano, Rimini, Italy, in a bid to secure one of ten challenger positions for the ICCT Trophy.

Worrell 1000 Champions Brian Lambert and Jamie Livingston, of the USA, will represent Sea Cliff Yacht Club, Long Island, NY, in their contention for one of 10 defender spots. Among other prospective defenders is Randy Smyth, a two-time Olympic Silver Medallist representing Florida’s Fort Walton Yacht Club, who announced his campaign in March.

Both Paolo Bassani and Max Serena have crewed together on the Prada Challenge for the America’s Cup twice; they each have years of IMS and IOR experience, and Paolo has twice competed in the Whitbread Round the World Race (1993-94 and 1997-98). Recently they have concentrated on match racing and multihull competitions. Bassani said: “Rimini has become a multihull center and Vela Club Marano is hosting the F-18HT’s European Championship in June, 2003. We are looking forward to challenging for the Little America’s Cup and bringing the Trophy and event to Rimini.”

Brian Lambert and Jamie Livingston are two-time winners of the Worrell 1000 and Brian has won US National Titles in the Hobie 17, Hobie 20 and Nacra 6.0. Additionally, Brian and Jamie finished second in the just completed Alter Cup, US SAILING’s national multihull championship. “The fleet racing in F-18HTs at the Alter Cup was very competitive,” said Lambert. “I expect the Little America’s Cup match racing to be even closer.”

In response to a request from several Tornado teams travelling from the ISAF Worlds in Cadiz, Spain to the ICCT, the ICCT has been moved back one day. The new dates are 28 September-3 October 2003 at the Sail Newport Sailing Center in Newport, RI.

The International Catamaran Challenge Trophy was created in 1961 to promote friendly international match racing catamaran competition. Up to 10 defenders (US) and 10 challengers (non-US) will be selected from the entries. The entry deadline is 1 June 2003. For entry information and complete ICCT details go to www.icct2003.org or www.littleamericascup2003.org.