Alfa returns to Barcolana

Aussie maxi favourite for world's largest regatta

Soon after crossing the finishing line in the Trieste harbour as line honours winner in the 2003 Barcolana Neville Crichton, owner and skipper of the maxi Alfa Romeo announced that he would be returning for the 2004 event.

"The welcome we received in this race is the best I have ever experienced in Europe," commented the Sydney-based New Zealander. "I felt very much at home, but there the people have known me for many years. The public in Trieste is absolutely fantastic."

The 90ft Reichel-Pugh maxi Alfa Romeo is now back in Trieste for the 2004 Barcolana, aiming to repeat her 2003 win. While the challenge is the same, Alfa Romeo's track record has soared with now 70 line honours finishes in the most prestigious international races from the Sydney to Hobart (628 miles); Rolex Fastnet Race (608 miles); Rolex Middle Sea Race (607 miles); Giraglia Rolex Cup (243 miles and speed record); Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup; Zegna Trophy, etc.

This year among the 20 crew racing Alfa Romeo will be Lorenzo Bressani, the Trieste sailing champion strongly committed once again to collect 'line honours'.

Murphy & Nye have since come on board Alfa Romeo as Official Supplier of the crew's clothing.