Now that Open 5.70 has become an ISAF recognized class and with fleets growing all over Europe and here in the US it is only right that there should be a “World Cup“. The event is being hosted in the Open 5.70s country of origin – France. The racing will take place on the “Etang de Berre” in Martigues which is just to the west of Marseille. This body of fresh water lies adjacent to the Meditaranean and is perfectly suited to the Open 5.70 – relatively flat water with consistent thermal breezes which typically build to 15-20 knots everyday by the early afternoon.

3 teams from the US will be making the trip to test their skills against the best Open 5.70 sailors from around the world. Open Sailing’s own Jerome and Nik will be racing together trying to improve on last years 12th at the European Cup held in Saint Malo, France. Team Festa (Rich Festa, Tony Festa and Greg Dair) will be trying to carry some momentum from their Pacific Coast Championship victory across the Atlantic in order to claim some recognition on the world stage. The third US/Italian team will be skippered by Gimmy Tranquillo (a Marina del Rey favorite that recently moved back to Italy) with Chris Slaggerman and Dylan Porter (both Marina del Rey sailors and friends of the Open 5.70 fleet) as crew.