New RC44 team

Andrea Pozzi graduates up from the Melges 32

With just a few weeks to go before the opening event of the 2014 RC44 Championship Tour, where the fleet will make their Caribbean debut at the RC44 Virgin Gorda Cup, British Virgin Islands over 12-16 February, a new Italian team has confirmed its entry into the Tour for the 2014 season.

Bombarda Racing’s owner Andrea Pozzi will be building a team with the help of tactician Gabriele Benussi and Coach Marco Capitani. The current all Italian line-up includes America’s Cup sailors Edoardo Natucci and Giovanni Cassinari who sailed onboard Mascalzone Latino.

New to sailing in 2012, Pozzi has quickly made an impact, finishing fifth in the Melges 32 World Championship last September in Porto Rotondo, Italy, but is now looking forward to the new challenge ahead.

“The RC44 is a beautiful boat and a top international racing circuit," he says. "Our aim this season is to have fun and push hard for the best result possible in this competitive fleet.”

Bombarda Racing will have its work cut out competing against heavy weights such as Team Aqua. Chris Bake's team has dominated the leaderboard for the past three seasons and will once again start the year as defending fleet and match race champion.

Bombarda Racing Crew List
Helm: Andrea Pozzi
Tactician: Gabriele Benussi
Mainsail Trimmer: Giovanni Cassinari
Foresail Trimmer: Gaetano Figlia di Granara
Deck hand: Francesco Pozzi
Grinder: Edoardo Natucci
Floater: Roberta de Paoli Ambrosi
Pitman: Michele Cannoni
Bowman: Matteo Auguadro