Ocean Globe Race: roaring into Auckland
13/12/2023 01:24
A perfect finish to the perfect Southern Ocean sailing adventure, and in true Auckland style, the triumphant Translated 9 IT (09) were greeted with four seasons in one day. The stunning Italian Swan 65, skippered by Vittorio Malingri, sailed over the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron finish line at 13hrs 25m 22 seconds (NZDT) taking first in line honors, provisional IRC and Flyer Class in the 2023-24 Ocean Globe Race.
This will herald their second IRC win, having taken the title in the Leg One race, Southampton to Cape Town. The ten-strong crew were determined to retain the prestigious title in the Cape Town to Auckland leg and their dogged determination paid off. Vittorio Malingri, Translated 9 skipper says they're delighted with their tactics.
"We went south, you have to go south, that is how you sail around the world. Some days in the fog it was one degree, four degrees. We didn't see the sun for two weeks! But we are so happy to be here. New Zealand is an amazing country," said Vittiorio, whose father Franco, and uncle, Doi, took part in the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973…
