Co-skipper of the  Winning Italilan  Aerobatric  Class’40 in the Atlantic Cup is Jean Marre.  It was His First Time Sailing in the US.  His Skipper was Alberto Riva.

The Only Entry From the US  “Scowling Dragon” was Forced to Withdraw from the Atlantic Cup. Because of Damage to her Bowsprit During Heavy Winds. Near Newport. Rhode Island.

It was a uique gathering of international, elite, professional sailors that met at Henry’s in the Old Port of Portland  this evening for the awards party  and to celebrate the return of the Atlantic Cup  races after a pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic..  The camaradeire was as thick as the pea soup fog that engulfed the coast  today as competitors from four countries concluded the third and final leg of the race in Portland harbor.

It was a race that began in Charleston, SC, went on to Newport, RI and ended today in Portland.  Co-skipper Marre said he had never sailed before in the US.  He and his Skipper Alberto Riva spotted a whale near Cape Cod, Massachusets.  Like other skippers this blogger talked to, Marre found it “interesting” saiing off the Maine coast,  That was the experience of saling in the Gulf Stream and then switching out of it into warmer waters.  The warmer waters create volatile conditions requiring more tacking for skippers..

Marre and Riva became only the second team in Atlantic Cup history to win each leg of competition raced, a testament to the world class skill and dominance of Marre and Riva.  This title marks the first Class40 victory for the Italian team.

Roger Junet, Co-skipper of “Scowling Dragon,” was the only American entry in this year’s Atlantic Cup race.  Unfortunately, around Newport a strong wind blew out the bowsprit.  The damaged bowsprit swung around hitting the hull of the Dragon poking holes in her.  That became  a dangerous situation forcing the Dragon’s withdrawal  from  the Atlantic Cup 2024.  Tim Caven, of Falmouth,  helped Junet return the Dragon to Portland from Newport.  That placed Dragon in last  place, 8th place, in this year’s race.

:This is the closest competition I’ve seen,” said Hugh Pugh, race director.  “It was a wild finish.”

In previous years, the boats were docked at the Maine Wharf where the awards ceremony was held as well.  This year the boats were docked at Fore Points Marina, at Portland Foreside, on the eastern end of the Portland waterfront.  That move was made to ensure the safety of the boats from any encounters that might occur with one of the ferrys of the Casco Bay Lines.  The awards party was held at Henry’s upon the recommendation of local resident Rob Windsor.