Nessun Dorma, Italia Yachts 15.98 by Andrea Neri, in 11 days and 18 hours, is the first across the finish line of the ARC Plus 2023: 2234 miles in the Atlantic.
A strong confirmation after winning the first leg from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Mindelo, covering approximately 865 miles. Nessun Dorma led the fleet again in the second leg, crossing the finish line first overall in Grenada. It marks Italia Yachts’ first oceanic victory, confirming the effectiveness of their design in blue water navigation.
Sixty miles from the finish, when it was clear that Nessun Dorma would claim Line Honors for being the first overall to cross the ARC+ 2023 finish line, Andrea Neri fulfilled his dream, stating that the ocean would be missed. Alongside owner Neri, a pharmacist from Trieste with a passion for ocean sailing, were talented sailors such as Enrico Zennaro, Sandro Chersi, Marco Furlan, Andrea Casale, Nicola Caffi, and Paolo Persini. “We chose the best weather conditions for our boat. Despite sailing with waves from two to five meters, we were always fast and able to maintain our course. We took three-hour shifts at the helm and two at the winch, with others ready to intervene, but there were no major emergencies. The proof? We always had pasta for lunch. In the evening, we kept it lighter to be ready to intervene if necessary. This race was simply a great satisfaction and an experience to recommend to everyone,” Neri declared upon arrival.
A crew composed of skilled sailors, with plenty of experience and fueled by a great passion for the sea, navigated beyond the speed of buoy races. It was an experience of hours at sea where attention, tension, and tactics alternated with meditative phases induced by the vastness of the ocean. “This Atlantic crossing from Cape Verde to Grenada was a crazy adventure covering 2235 miles. Winning with an Italian crew on an Italian boat has a special flavor. We encountered all conditions during almost 12 days of navigation and had no damage except for small issues due to material wear. I am sure that the entire team will carry this fantastic experience in their hearts forever, and I recommend it to many owners, professional colleagues, or simple amateur sailors,” commented Enrico Zennaro, still immersed in celebrations aboard Nessun Dorma. Andrea Neri, who set sail from Trieste with his family in the past year, later joining professionals for the ARC+, has more plans. After the euphoria of the victory, his program is to enjoy the Caribbean until May, participating in some classic regattas like the Antigua Sailing Week.
