Nacras @Hyeres 2014: Bissaro-Sicouri Champs

Images: Laurens Morel . Flashback: In 2011 Vittorio Bissaro was third at the F18 Balaton Worlds, where Bundock-van Leeuwen were crown champs. Before the event I labeled Vittorio & Lamberto  the ‘Dark Horses’.
In 2012 Silvia Sicouri went to an AC45 event in Italy to cheer for Bundock, who was racing with Oracle team. She was his Nr 1 fan at that event.

To follow their Olympic dream  Vito & Silvia started racing together, and this season they went  matching their skills against Bundock in the Nacra 17 Olympic Class.

At Palma they were 2nd behind Besson-Riou and in front of Bundcok-Curtis.
Did good again at Hyeres, in  position for anoher podium. In the final day Darren & Nina entered the Medla Race with a 7 point lead, so it was, at first glance, a second place aim race for the Italians

But Bissaro & Sicouri decided to go for it , and a second in the the MR gave themselves a chance to win the event, ending the decisive race ahead the other contenders for the title, Besson & Marie Riou. 
Bundy had it served, but ‘blew it’ as he wrote himself, not before of course the Italians put pedal to the metal to end the championship with 72pts , tied with the Frenchs. In the end the Medal Race places defined the Crown favoring  ITA200.

Vittorio & Silvia are now looking the World from above, putting themselves in a position of  more pressure & responsibility to inspire other young sailors, that will root for them and follow their path.

Just like they did themselves a few years ago with those like Darren and others…
Congrats to both!
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Full Results at https://www.sailing.org/worldcup/regattas/hyeres_2014.php?view=fleetevent&rgtaid=16343&evntid=31270#results