SUI-2 Okalys-Corum, second on the podium

Press release

 

 

 

 
The 2009 edition showed all the signs of being a very close-fought race in view of the prestigious range of sailors this season and the number of contestants : 12 for 3 places on the podium ; the stretch of water on Lake Léman was truly the scene of fantastic comings and goings that made people hold their breath. After 3 successive victories, the OKALYS-CORUM team won 2nd place. With 2 boats this year, the ALINGHI team on SUI-1 landed 1st place on the podium.
Review of the 3 days of racing (results of the races taken from the Grand Chelem releases)

Friday 8th May 2009
OKALYS-CORUM won the only leg of the day's race.
Twelve D35 on the starting line before noon with a wind of 15 to 20 knots. Although Stève Ravussin on board Veltigroup made a strong start, it was finally OKALYS-CORUM that won the first round with only a 5-metre lead on Zen Too of Guy de Picciotto in 2nd place. Banque Populaire closed the sailing of this first day.

Saturday 9th May 2009
Alinghi SUI-1 and OKALYS-CORUM won each of the first three legs of the second day of the CORUM Grand Prix.

Due to the wind conditions, the first departure could not be given until 3 pm.
A first leg, dominated by Smarthome of Christian Michel, was started before being cancelled due to instability and lack of wind. The second leg was won by OKALYS-CORUM of Nicolas Grange, propelling the team to the head of the overall classification. Alinghi SUI-1 led by Ernesto Bertarelli won the 3rd and final round of the day, positioned just ahead of Ladycat of Dona Bertarelli Spaeth and Veltigroup of Marco Simeoni.

Sunday 10th May 2009
Alinghi SUI-1 came out winner of the CORUM Grand Prix after fighting OKALYS-CORUM up to the last leg.

After two days of regatta, OKALYS-CORUM was leading the dance by one point. The last two legs of the day totally changed the entire classification. In total, the twelve D35 will have raced 6 legs.A first leg won by OKALYS-CORUM, of Nicolas Grange was launched at 1.45 pm with a wind of between 5 and 10 knots. Alinghi SU-1 was in 2nd place. The second and final leg of the day was decisive and was won by Alinghi SUI-1. This victory brought the first place in the Grand Prix to Alinghi SUI-1.

OKALYS-CORUM of Nicolas Grange only just finished in second place. This team, which has not changed for 4 years, shows that experience of the D35 and knowledge of the stretch of water are of prime importance. On third place on the podium was Julius-Baer that had been reinforced by 4 members of the Courrier Dunkerk team in a Mumm 30.

General classification of the CORUM Grand-Prix

1. SUI-1 Alinghi SUI-1 13pts
2. SUI-2 OKALYS-CORUM 16pts
3. SUI-3 Julius-Baer 18pts
4. SUI-5 Foncia 21pts
5. SUI-4 Zen Too 22pts
6. SUI-6 Alinghi SUI 6 24pts
7. SUI-11 Veltigroup 28pts
8. SUI-10 Ladycat 32pts
9. SUI-7 Zebra 7 37pts
10. SUI-9 Smarthome 39pts
11. SUI-12 Banque Populaire 39pts
12. SUI-8 Romandie.com 58pts


The result of this CORUM Grand Prix reflects the teams' strengths, both amateurs and professionals, which had been honed through years of experience making this a really exhilarating competition. The oceanic sailors who also participated in the circuit added a valuable international visibility to this event, contributing to the D35 fleet a fame that extends well beyond our frontiers.

Summary of the history of this partnership

Confirming its attachment to the world of sailing, CORUM continues its history and reinforces its presence in the arena of nautical sponsoring. Marking a nautical double, the CORUM watchmaking brand, joined forces with the prestigious and winning OKALYS-CORUM team and lent its name to the Geneva Grand Prix; a history which above all tells of the meeting of passionate people.
Building a long-term partnership, the watchmaking brand has signed a contract for three years and plans to make great strides in the discipline.

To commemorate this new challenge, CORUM has created a custom trophy for the event. Antonio Calce, CORUM CEO presented it to Ernesto Bertarelli's team, which was the first winner of the CORUM Grand Prix trophy. The names of all winners will be engraved on it, in the order of their victories.

As the Grand Prix's official partner, CORUM is running up its watchmaking colors and lending its precision to seafaring timepieces and chronographs. CORUM rewarded the winning team with a titanium Admiral's Cup Black Hull 48 watch, the brand's iconic model famous for its dodecagonal bezel and a dial decorated with nautical pennants. This model will symbolize the two partnerships by becoming the official watch of the CORUM Grand Prix and the OKALYS-CORUM team.

Admiral's Cup Black Hull
Suggested retail price, all taxes included: CHF 9,350 / Euro 6,150 / US$ 8,000
Available beginning May 2009 at authorized points of sale.

Chief Executive Officer of CORUM, Antonio Calce said:

"Although the world today is primarily business-driven, it has no meaning without the events that mark our lives. Today, true values are back, founded on human relationships. History has always marked its major steps with people. And it is precisely these people, their values, beliefs, determination and cohesion that sporting competitions such as the JULIUS BAER Challenge and its various races honour. For 4 years, CORUM has been undergoing a process of repositioning and reconstruction. It is through the combined efforts of a team, now composed of about 160 people, that this challenge has been won. CORUM regained its exclusive brand positioning based on a collection of 150 products made in limited edition or limited production. Since its establishment the brand has shared a passion for the sailing world, a passion that has been conveyed by the founding families and later by the brand itself. A few days ago I was pleased to navigate with the OKALYS-CORUM team, what energy, what a human dimension, a mixture of simplicity and grandeur, reserve and tenacity, tactical calm and inner strength. It was truly an incredible experience that profoundly touched me. The team is in perfect harmony with the CORUM credo : « Where there is passion, great achievements are within reach ». Today, it is an amazing feeling to share this victory ; a reward for each person who has contributed to this project and a way for each CORUM employee to identify with it; a wind of strength and motivation which is very beneficial in a period of economic difficulties.”
The impressions of the OKALYS-CORUM team after the race

Nicolas Grange, owner, skipper and helmsman
“This 2009 season of the JULIUS BAER Challenge was bound to be impressive thanks to the wide range of seafarers who were signed up; all the greatest names in sailing are present. For OKALYS-CORUM, it was important not to miss this first CORUM Grand Prix, in order get off to a good start in this championship where all the teams have built up their strength during the winter. It was difficult to position ourselves against the competition even though we were confident thanks to the coherence of our team and a perfectly prepared boat. We soon realized that our preparation was right and that we could count on a very good speed at all paces and in all wind conditions. With 3 winning legs out of 6, we are proud of this result and, even though we missed the final victory by a hair, OKALYS-CORUM will definitely be on board for the 2009 season. I would like to thank my team for its whole-hearted commitment and legendary team spirit (Loïck Peyron, Eric Monnin, Damien Cardenoso, Andrew Graham and Fabien Froesch).
I would also like to thank CORUM for their support throughout this wonderful weekend, and we are eager to be back on the water in a fortnight for the 2nd stage of our championship."


Eric Monnin, tactician
"Although at the time I was very disappointed, I will keep incredible memories of this weekend. 12 boats on the stretch of water create a surprising change, as the regattas are very tight, the pace is much faster and we feel even more challenged by our opponents".

Damien Cardenoso, trimmer
"A glorious weekend! The increase of the fleet to twelve boats and the level of professionalism achieved this season have as expected added spice to the Decision 35 races. The first legs of the championship run in intense conditions were full of thrills and allowed us to measure up against the competition. And even if there is a little disappointment as we lost the first place during the last leg of the Grand Prix; this weekend was an amazing fight!!”

Fabien Froesch, N° 1
“This Grand Prix allowed us to confirm the potential and skills we have on board Okalys - CORUM. We still need to work on our regularity as our results are a little too uneven. Despite some frustration on the last leg (we lost our position in first place) I keep a fabulous memory of this week-end”.
Andrew Graham, trimmer
"A Grand Prix which right from the outset sets the pace for the coming year being by far the most exciting. Our "team spirit" is an example to be followed and will no doubt be an essential value for the rest of the competition. It is a real pleasure to sail.”

Loïck Peyron, helmsman
"The OKALYS-CORUM team has not changed for several years and that is what makes its strength. And I am happy to see all my French friends from the Bays of Trinité and Lorient who have arrived in Switzerland. 5 years ago I was the only French person in the race. Now it is an Exodus! In D35, the level is improving each year. We will really have a super championship with seasoned professionals and the "amateurs" who are becoming less and less amateur."