Change of format

Nations Cup match racing departs Trieste in 2005

A change of format for next year's Nations Cup match racing will see the event not only leave Trieste but divided into three stages instead of one. The new Nations Cup will be held in three stages in three different locations - Capri, Porto Cervo and St Tropez.

The event, as always, will be sailed by the best America’s Cup sailing teams and sailors aboard the Open 60-style 55 footers.

While the format will still concentrate on match racing, the organisers are currently investigating other courses and race durations to make the racing more spectacular.

Sailors including Paul Cayard and Russell Coutts, have shown great interest in this new format. Both have said they will participate in the Nations Cup 2005.

“We are very happy” says CEO Federico Stopani “of the great job done in the past five years but it’s now time to change. The concept is successful - definitely appreciated in the professional sailing world, but requires a clear change. What I am proposing is something new and something that many feel is needed. With the next edition will be totally new, spectacular with great champions - the fundamental ingredients for a successful event."

Stopani adds that he has also received offers from other clubs and is considering staging a circuit.