The «Ottocinque» has been the team to beat at pretty much all events of the Esse 850 International Class Cup for many years now. Past season, the SUI 072 with Alain Marchand also won the Esse 850 World Open at Malcesine and even prevailed over the SUI 081 with Eric Monnin, current 3rd in the ISAF World Match Race Ranking.

Without a doubt, Alain Marchand and his team are also a front-runner at the upcoming European Open 2015, starting on Thursday at Malcesine. This sweet sailing spot on Lake Garda has lived to see countless big sailing events in the past years due to its beautiful setting and great conditions. The thermal breeze at Malcesine is steady as a rock and the significant shoreline asks for very specific racing tactics. We asked Alain Marchand to share with us some experiences and secrets with regard to (successful) sailing at Malcesine:

„My personal tips for both south wind («Ora», in the afternoon) and north wind («Pelér», early mornings) are as follows:

• Most of the time, the best area of the racecourse is the left side.
• A start zone at the last 40% of the starting line (pin end) is to be preferred. Although, if you miss your start or if you are not fast enough, it will be hard to cross the fleet on port.
• You can go close to the shore or the beach to get a maximum lift. However, watch out not go too far inside of the bays where the wind is less regular.
• Take care downwind: After the dogleg there are some rocks close to the southern costal point.
• Also take care at the start: The start line (committee boat) is moving!
  
  

And then, last but not least, sleep well and eat pasta for the next day to avoid dropping the gennaker into the water ;)”
 

Let’s see if this gets the opponents of team «Ottocinque» to move up closer to the leaders. The first opportunity to test tactics will present itself on Wednesday during practice race at 3pm. Thank you Alain and good luck to everybody!