Helly Hansen

GOOD START OF HH SAILING TEAM IN 2008 VOLVO CUP In the last week end the 2008 Volvo Cup starts in Scarlino (Tuscany). The first two days there was a grey, cold weather with just light wind so only two races ran. The last day a sunny weather assured a good sea breeze that blew up to 10 knots. Melges24 class is most popular in Italy and here there were 64 boats from nine countries. HELLY HANSEN SAILING TEAM lined up two crews ALINA and UKA UKA that are favourite to win the 2008 circuit and the World Championship that will be in Porto Cervo in July. Our team Uka Uka started this series with a fantastic second place but in the other races his crew Bressani-Chieffi-Michetti-Benussi-Prina wasn't continuos so they have closed in ninth placement. Alina started not well but every race is better than earlier one so Valerio-Cassinari-Dal Ferro-Abbà-De Paoli finished fouth. The Swiss World Championship team of Blu Moon won the leg breaking the tie with Sherakan because a better discard. Third Alfa Spider. Federico Michetti, Uka Uka Team Manager and Melges Europe dealer tell us after the race: - On the start line there were 64 very fierce crews from ten countries. This is a fantastic result for this exceptional monotype. The only problem has been the weather condition. Because the lack of wind on the second day just 5 races have been completed. Only the last race ran with some gusts up to 10 knots. We have two new members of crew (also the tactician) so our chemistry was not yet perfect.- On board Alina the new gear from Helly Hansen just delivered before the race. Tactician Daniele Cassinari said: -We are always very happy with our gear. Every year is better and better. Lighter and warmer.We feel very confortable while racing.- Next appointment will be Marseille Snim regatta during Easter. MPZ