With just a few weeks to go before the opening event of the 2014 RC44 Championship Tour, where the fleet will make their Caribbean debut at the RC44 Virgin Gorda Cup, British Virgin Islands, 12- 16 February, a new Italian team have confirmed their entry into the Tour for the 2014 season.

Bombarda Racing’s owner Andrea Pozzi will be building a team with the help of tactician Gabriele Benussi and Coach Marco Capitani. The current all Italian line-up includes America’s Cup sailors Edoardo Natucci and Giovanni Cassinari who sailed onboard Mascalzone Latino.

New to sailing in 2012, Pozzi has quickly made an impact, finishing fifth in the Melges 32 World Championships last September in Porto Rotondo, Italy, but is now looking forward to the new challenge ahead. “The RC44 is a beautiful boat and a top international racing circuit. Our aim this season is to have fun and push hard for the best result possible in this competitive fleet.”

Bombarda Racing will have their work cut out competing against heavy weights such as Team Aqua who have dominated the leaderboard for the past three seasons and will once again start the year as defending fleet and match race champions.

BOMBARDA RACING CREW LIST

Helm: Andrea Pozzi

Tactician: Gabriele Benussi

Mainsail Trimmer: Giovanni Cassinari

Foresail Trimmer: Gaetano Figlia di Granara

Dack hand: Francesco Pozzi

Grinder: Edoardo Natucci

Floater: Roberta de Paoli Ambrosi

Pitman: Michele Cannoni

Bowman: Matteo Auguadro