After a fantastic season, the Swiss team Okalys Youth Project honors the memory of their teammate who passed a few weeks ago, by winning the Persico 69F Cup 2021 circuit.

Strong winds and big waves did not stop the 14 teams of the last Grand Prix of the season. An amazing season for the Persico 69F Cup circuit, with a long series of regattas that began in April on Lake Garda and ended in Puntaldia in Sardinia.

The Swiss team triumphs, taking the highest step of the podium with 57 points in the overall ranking, leaving behind Balthasar and Section 16.

A moment of great joy but, at the same time, also a moment of great sadness for Okalys Youth Project. A trophy won without its leader, Hugo Fedrigucci, who tragically passed away in a car accident a few weeks ago. 27-year-old Hugo was from the Canton of Ticino, a great sailor, friend and promoter of the 69F project. He believed and committed himself to the whole project from the very beginning, for this reason, the organizing committee decided to name the 2021 Cup circuit after him.

“An important victory that we will always carry in our hearts” says, Arnaud Grange: “Hugo and I have been sailing a lot together. Everyone knew him and he was part of the large 69F family. It was really hard to sail without him on board, but we are happy to have raced well and to have finished with a first place in his honor. We have worked hard during the year and finally we have collected the results. The last few GPs have been very interesting because the level of the fleet has grown a lot. Our goal is to participate in the 2022 Youth Foiling Gold Cup circuit and to do this we are putting together an Under 25 team that can train all year round”.

Great enthusiasm also among the Fly Marga team members and especially Alessandra Angelini who comments on her first experience in the circuit: “This is the first year we have participated in the Persico 69F Cup and the feedback is extremely positive. In Puntaldia we had a lot of fun, the professionalism of the whole 69F team allowed us to sail all three days even if the conditions were extreme. It was the first time I tried a format of this kind and I must say that from the owner’s point of view it is truly unique and brilliant. Being able to race without having to think about arming or disarming the boat, knowing that there is a young and highly qualified shore team who does it for you, is truly unique. This approach allows you to appreciate the 69F experience even more.
We are still in the process of learning and we are not going to stop. Miami will be our next destination and we can’t wait to start this new adventure in the USA, waiting to find out the dates and locations of the European circuit”.

Puntaldia proved to be an extraordinary destination for the circuit. The impeccable welcome offered by the Marina di Puntaldia made sure that the entire fleet felt right at home.

Now we are preparing for a thrilling Grand Finale of the season. 10 teams of young Under 25 sailors will compete to win the ACT 3 and the Finals of the 2021 Youth Foiling Gold Cup, hosted by the Windsurfing Club Cagliari, from October 18 to November 3.

There is great motivation among all the participating teams, in fact those who triumph in Cagliari will win a Wild Card to take part in the 69F pro event to be held at the Circolo Vela Sferracavallo in Palermo from November 12 to 14. The event will feature international sailing stars such as Checco Bruni, Ruggero Tita, Phil Robertson, Dylan Fletcher and Tamara Echegoyen.

Ismene Usman, Flight Controller of Dutch Sail – Janssen de Jong comments: “We are training for the last ACT of the Youth Foiling Gold Cup. The winners of the circuit will enter the 69F special event in Sferracavallo with some of the greatest sailors in the world. This is a great opportunity for young sailors like us. Racing against real sailing legends has always been a dream for all of us and we are working hard to win this invitation. We cannot miss this opportunity!”

Final overall ranking – Persico 69F Cup 2021

1- Okalys Youth Project – 57 pt
2- Balthasar – 50 pt
3- Section 16 – 46 pt
4- Young Azzurra – 45 pt
5- Tixwave – 40 pt
6- Fly Marga – 40 pt
7- FlyingNikka 47 – 36 pt
8- FlyingNikka 74 – 35 pt
9- SDS Swiss Dental Solutions – 30 pt
10- FIN1Racing – 24 pt

TECHNICAL PARTNERS:
Avant Garde, Gottifredi Maffioli, Harken, OneSails, Montura, Vela Mania, Fraglia Vela Malcesine, Sailmon,
Acquaviva WT, ABC Boats

ABOUT 69F:
69F is an integrated One Design Boat, Race and Lifestyle format.
The 69F project is realized by sailors, athletes, managers and men of communication who believe in the future of sailing hydrofoil and its affirmation in the world of professional regattas as well as in the world of lifestyle and amateur sport.The 69F team is currently working on developing an innovative and sustainable one design foiling monohull racing boats’ circuit and a sailing academy suitable for sailors at all levels, with the aim of providing the ultimate foiling experience.