Win for Schuemann

Alinghi win the Jeep Challenge match racing in Porto Cervo

The final day of the Jeep Challenge 2005, organised in Italy by Jeep, part of DaimlerChrysler group, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, was only the second day the four competing teams were able to race, owing to the strong Mistral winds which had buffeted Porto Cervo up until yesterday.

The final, - a best of three - started at 10am this morning and saw Alinghi up against Luna Rossa Challenge. In the first flight Jochen Schuemann took victory with the Swiss team ahead of Francesco Bruni of Luna Rossa Challenge. The wind picked up to around 20 knots with gusts of 25 for the second, and Alinghi got off to a good start. Luna Rossa put up a good fight, but the Swiss team went on to win the match. Alongside Scheumann aboard Alinghi were Italy's Claudio Celon, New Zealander Warwick Fleury, Dutchman Peter Van Niekerk and Canadian Curtis Blewett.

Luna Rossa Challenge raised a protest against Alinghi for a violation of the rule forbidding guests assisting aboard the boats. The Jury upheld the protest and penalised Alinghi half a point, but leaving her still the winner.

In the match-races between Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team and United Internet Team Germany to decide the runner-up placings, Jesper Bank took the German team to victory in the first. Mascalzone Latino-Capitalia Team then turned the tables and took the second and third matches leaving them in third place overall.

Alinghi wins the US$30.000 first prize, Luna Rossa Challenge US$10.000
for second, while US$7.500 goes to Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team in third
and United Internet Team Germany takes home US$5.000.

Results
1) Alinghi
2) Luna Rossa Challenge
3) Mascalzone Latino - Capitalia Team
4) United Internet Team Germany