The inaugural Frers Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on the race course with three Maxis tied on points for second place, with less than a minute deciding the eventual podium positions. The penultimate party at the Frers Cup was just as dramatic but much more relaxed.
Under the auspices of the Club Canottieri Roggero di Lauria and assisted by Match Race Trapani, the final day of the Frers Cup took place on Saturday 28 June.
Starting well is always important, especially with the monumental sail area of the Frers Maxis, where the amount of disturbed air is a significant proportion of the true wind. Vicente Garcia Torres' Swan 80, Plis Play chose to hang back and take the windward end of the line, to avoid the wind shadow from the colossal Frers Maxis. The fleet, save German Frers' Swan 112, Mystery chose to head for Levanzo, and were rewarded with an increase in wind funnelling between the islands. Once again, Plis Play showed great speed in light airs to make the top mark in first position and once into clear air, the Spanish team were unstoppable taking their third win of the regatta and the overall prize of the Frers Cup.
The last race of The Frers Cup proved to be a tremendous battle for second place at the regatta. Juan Entrecanales' Frers Maxi, Alarife crossed the line after Plis Play following a tremendous battle with Armando Grandi's Wally 100, Gibian. Frers Maxi, Bristolian was the next yacht to finish followed by German Frers Swan 112, Mystery. After time correction three yachts were tied for second place for the regatta. Bristolian, Gibian and Mystery had all scored the same number of points. However, Bristolian's second place in the last race, secured the British yacht as runner up for The Frers Cup by just 32 seconds from Gibian.
The official Prize Giving was held at one of Trapani's finest public gardens, Villa Magherita. German Frers Snr. opened the ceremony with a light hearted, yet passionate speech about the competitors. Each competing yacht owner and crew was roundly applauded with the biggest cheer saved for the first winner of the Frers Cup. Vicente Garcia Torres, owner of Swan 80 Plis Play, lifted the trophy and the Spanish owner was roundly applauded for their excellent performance.
The Frers Cup, will be once again, held in Trapani in 2015.