ITA-85 of +39 Challenge launched this morning

[Source: +39 Challenge] ITA-85 starts sailing. After last June’s presentation and a few last-minute adjustments, the +39 boat will be sailing its first miles in the next days. There are still some adjustments to be carried out during the spring of 2007, before the Louis Vuitton Acts, the qualification races for the America’s Cup. On Saturday (October 21st) the boat was plunged into the water in front of the whole crew, the managers and the group who has taken part in its building. Project head Giovanni Ceccarelli, project manager Rech Morassutti and Dannaval-Sicilcraft’s and Soleri’s shipyards workers "symbolically" handed over the new boat to Luca Devoti, Iain Percy and his team (absence "justified" for Stefano Rizzi, Friulan skipper competing in the Middle Sea Race in Malta with Paul Cayard on a 30 metre Maximus).

The boat has undergone over 40,000 workhours and close to 2,500 kilograms of carbon fiber plus 1,500 kilograms were used for the female mould. Orange and blue are the main colours, representing the two souls of the group: Sicily and Lake Garda. The +39 Challenge training season has already started in the last few weeks on board of two 30 feet boats where the team has been rehearsing Match-Race techniques, including starts, tacks, sailing close-hauled and manoeuvring according to every sailing scenario.

"Ita 85"’s partners are Regione Sicilia, Fondiaria-Sai, Db-Line, Yamamay, Gilli and Sergio Tacchini.

ITA-85 lowered into the water for the first time. Valencia, 21 October 2006. Photo copyright: +39 Challenge.

ITA-85 lowered into the water for the first time. Valencia, 21 October 2006. Photo copyright: +39 Challenge.

ITA-85 resting at the +39 Challenge base. Valencia, 21 October 2006. Photo by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing.