Meet the Team - X-LADY - Luca Barozzi & Vincenzo Bonaguri - ORC DH Europeans 2024
As the ORC DH European Championship 2024 in Caorle approaches, we are happy to introduce some participating teams. Here's the story of Luca Barozzi and Vincenzo Bonaguri, preparing for the demanding course that awaits them, embarking on their debut in "La Duecento".
The Boat
X Lady - ITA 1331 - is a vessel steeped in racing heritage, crafted in 2002 as one of the final additions to the renowned x332 series. Under the meticulous optimization of her inaugural owner, Mr. Ravaioni, the boat swiftly ascended to prominence in the Italian and European IMS championships, thanks to enhancements like a deeper rudder, lighter keel, and a carbon mast.
After changing hands, X Lady found her calling in the Adriatic Sea, where she amassed impressive victories in local and Italian IMS/ORC championships. Notable among her triumphs are recent wins in prestigious events like the MARTINI CUP (Rimini, 2019), Regata del Conero (Ancona, 2019), and the Mediolanum Cup (Rimini, 2021).
In 2023, skipper/helmsman Luca Barozzi and bowman Vincenzo Bonaguri embarked on their double-handed sailing journey with "La Ottanta" in Caorle, clinching an admirable 3rd place in the ORC division. Building on this success, they returned in 2024 for another exhilarating challenge, securing a formidable 2nd place in the ORC division and an impressive 10th overall in a fleet of over 80 entries.
Luca Barozzi, Helmsman/Skipper
At 53, Luca Barozzi is not only a seasoned sailor but also a cardiac surgeon at the University Hospital in Verona. His affinity for sailing traces back to his infancy, as he was introduced to the sport at a mere 5 months old aboard his parents' Flying Dutchman. Following in the wake of his family's sailing legacy, Luca has navigated various vessels, including his father's beloved X102, Nuvolari, before taking the helm of X Lady. Luca's sailing journey has taken him from local competitions to major events like the ORC Italian Championship in 2022, and most recently, to the realm of offshore racing and double-handed sailing.
Vincenzo Bonaguri, Bowman, Co-Skipper
At 25, Vincenzo Bonaguri brings youthful exuberance and a wealth of sailing experience to the team. Born into a family deeply rooted in the Italian Sailing Federation, Vincenzo's sailing voyage began with dinghies like the Laser/ILCA and Hobie 16. His prowess as a bowman has earned him accolades in club racing and offshore sailing, with notable victories in events like the Winter Championship in Marina di Ravenna and the ORC Worlds 2022. Despite his diverse sailing pursuits, Vincenzo's recent focus on double-handed sailing has ignited a new passion and ambition, propelling him toward the upcoming challenge of the ORC European DH Championship.
Final thoughts
As they embark on their debut in "La Duecento" and the ORC DH European Championship, Luca and Vincenzo are prepared for the demanding course that awaits them. Their anticipation is palpable as they gear up to navigate the intricate challenges of mid-length racing in the Adriatic. With a blend of excitement and determination, they are poised to showcase their expertise in a fiercely competitive fleet.
"We have had the opportunity to race at the CNSM event before and appreciate their wonderful management. We can’t wait to return to Caorle after our great result with 'La Ottanta.'" - Luca and Vincenzo
Thirty Double-Handed teams from four nations are poised to do battle in less than two weeks at the 30th annual running of La Duecento, a popular 200-mile race in the upper Adriatic organized by Circolo Nautico Porto Santa Margherita (CNSM). These teams will also be competing for podium medals as part of the 2024 ORC Double-Handed European Championship, now in its second year and the first of several World and European Championship events on the 2024 international racing calendar organized by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC).
