They won with grace, like those who have learned to trust the wind. Francesco and Tommaso Marcaccini helmed Birba 3, the IY 9.98 that seems purpose-built to sail the fine line between ambition and pure fun, straight to victory in the Gavitello d’Argento a team regatta with the soul of tradition—alongside Spirit of Nerina, skippered by Federico Borromeo. Spirit of Nerina di Federico Borromeo.
The Yacht Club Punta Ala burgee was not just raised; it was flown high by a crew as tight as a well-tied knot: Paolo Pieri Nerli, Andrea Servadei, Matteo Cattaneo, Elio Datteri, Lorenzo Di Blasi, the Marcaccinis themselves, and Luca Vitale, completing the puzzle of a team that already turned heads at the last 151 Winter Series.
The regatta, it must be said, offered the full menu: winds from 6 to 30 knots, a solid sea state, and a relentless downpour—like a stubborn reminder from a summer still waiting backstage. “They were beautiful racing days, even in the tough moments,” says Francesco, who speaks of the boat like one might describe a wild but fascinating creature. “We had our work cut out, especially when the gennaker decided to put on a show. But we stayed upright, and the boat rewarded us.”
With such poise and performance, is the Admiral’s Cup next? “No, no, far too soon. This boat even in the Club version has serious legs, but we still have much to learn. The real challenge is understanding how to consistently hold top performance. That’s where the fun lies.”
The verdict, however, is already clear: the Trofeo Challenge Bruno Calandriello is theirs, along with a well-earned second place in the Campionato Nazionale Alto Tirreno.
