It
was in 1951 when the 6m Stazza International "Airone" of Umberto
Peretti Colo won the first Centomiglia Del Garda after 20 hours of
sailing. The next year was won by a German skipper Martin Adolf in "30
square metres" "Manjana". The Centomiglia is a special race on the
International scene. Over the succeeding years boats of varying classes
and speeds have kept this September appointment.
The race has typically
been dominated by the Olympic classes such as the "5.50 stazza
International", the "Star", the "Tornado" catamaran, fast boats such as
the German "Rennjollen" and ocean going boats such as IOR class "Guia"
of Giorgio Falck, a 13 metre boat which became popular in 1971 and
which, in the next 2 years, competed in the first Round the World races.
From
the mid '70s the Libera class has dominated the Centomiglia. This class
of boat was born with the Centomiglia mentality in mind. Franco
Nocivelli had "Cassiopea" built which was first in four Centomiglia
races, while the Germans replied with "Quartas" under the care of Sepp
Hoess, a World Champion Flying Dutchman sailor.
The Swiss also competed
successfully with "Toucan" and olympic sailor Noverraz. In the '80s
super light boats were the mode on Garda which were very much influenced
by New Zealander Bruce Farr, the same man who won the Round the World
race and the America's Cup with the famous "New Zealand", a 36m yacht
inspired by the lines of the Centomiglia boats and whch is now kept at
the New Zealand racing base in Auckland.
Over
the years, boats have arrived to compete in the Centomiglia built
specifically to win the race, and with these boats come skippers trained
to do their best. The first weekend in September on Lake Garda is epic
sailboat racing theatre where the most prestigious and spectacular race
in the world in fresh water is held.
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