Nacra 17 @Marseille 2019: Bissaro & Frascari put pressure for the Italian qualy towards Tokyo 2020

All images SAILING ENERGY/WORLD SAILING – Medal Race Live Replay posted here .

Nacra 17 , Mareseille 2019 Final Day

Not many Nacra 17 present at Marseille but plenty of talent in the top ten. On one of the most competitive internal competitions we’ve seen , the Italian teams are fighting to decide who will represent their home country in Tokyo. The level of the two top crews is so high that they are deciding their future winning events or placing top 3 overalls in each regatta, both.

Impressive performance and in the end maximizing Italy chances for next Olympics, as both teams are pushing to the limit to be ones carrying the Italian flag in 2020.

While Ruggero Tita & Catarina Banti have been dominating and winning past seasons our friend Vittorio Bissaro sailing with Maelle Frascari decided that their teammates will literally suffer the pressure before the Italian Federation selects one of them. Vitto & Maelle showed a high level of performance in the harsh conditions Marseille had to offer, including a protest against Tita & Banti in the first race which they won, but also they responded in lighter wind conditions , like the Medal race where they also decided to Match Race Gimson & Burnet as they were the only ones capable of taking their top spot.

That move demonstrated confidence, in the Medal Race start while the entire fleet was already on the course side Bissaro & Frascari were holding down the British team , the Italians had a successful attack and went ahead of their closest competitors. They even reach to catch the leading group.

In the end it was a close call but it was clear Bissaro & Frascari were in control, finishing one spot ahead Gimson & Burnet gave them the Regatta. Check prize ceremony photo above and you’ll get what this win meant to them.

One thing is for certain , I don’t want to be on the Italian Federation deciding body right now, the great thing they did though is leaving the decision for last moment in contrast with other Federations that already decided 2 years ahead of Tokyo.

The Medal had lots of good actions and podium changed constantly. We are happy once more to see Billy Besson & Marie Riou speeding again, they had their chances for a medal, and we hope to be the start of a new stage for them.

Top ten results from Marseille below, complete list here