Race aboard the Italia 14.98 in the Newport Bermuda Race

Grabau International as exclusive agents for Italia Yachts in the UK and Ireland are delighted to present the opportunity to race (virtually) aboard the soon-to-be-launched Italia Yachts 14.98 in the forthcoming 2020 Online Newport Bermuda Race.

Hosted in collaboration with Sailonline.org and starting on June 19th, the race will be a test of navigational and routing skills in a race simulation under the same conditions that the 2020 fleet would have sailed. Registration is free into any of the four divisions, which will operate as one-design fleets competing directly against other sailors. The selected boat for the ‘Finisterre Division’ is the Italia Yachts 14.98. Prizes will be awarded for the top finishers.

How it works:-

1. To be eligible for prizes & receive race communications, you must register here and have a Sailonline.Org Username ready. If you don’t already have an account with Sailonline.org, click here. We encourage you to register with your Boat Name (if there are more than one of crew members competing, add a first or last name to your username).

2. Get familiar with the format by reading the Sailonline.Org Manual.

3. Join our Online Race Webinar, hosted by US Sailing’s “Starboard Portal” (date TBA) to learn more from Sailnline experts on virtual racing.

4. Create an account at Sailonline.org and sail a practice race.

5. Enter the Race at Sailonline.org anytime after it formally opens on June 11.

6. Start the race at Sailonline.org on June 19, 13:00 EDT

7. Follow along at https://bermudarace.com/onlinerace/ and social media for stories from fellow competitors around the world.

8. Finish the race and attend the virtual awards ceremony with prizes hosted by Goslings Rum.

About the Italia Yachts 14.98

When designing the new IY 14.98, the Italia Yachts team took on the real challenge of creating a yacht that equally matches aesthetics with ability. Available in two versions with two different souls, and without compromise, in technical as well as stylistic aspects, the Italia Yachts team have pushed forward the boundaries of quality and design in the creation of this new 50ft performance cruiser. Conceived from the drawing board for sailors looking to combine unparalleled sailing performance with an appreciation of details and finishes of the highest quality, the Italia Yachts 14.98 succeeds at every level while maintaining the core characteristics of the Italia Yachts brand: simple, rational, function, and versatile for cruising and racing.

Thanks to her plumb bow and stern and a very small wetted surface area, the Italia Yachts 14.98 boasts a high dynamic length essential for top-level performance both in racing and in cruising. The Italia Yachts 14.98 can effortlessly reach considerable speeds in the lightest of airs while offering total control and predictability once the wind comes up. Her folding transom serves as a comfortable helmsman’s bench while underway, converting to a broad bathing platform at anchor to allow safe and easy access to the sea or a tender.

For those seeking the maximum in performance and a sporting yacht capable of competing at the highest level in ORC and IRC fleets, the Italia Yachts 14.98 is available in Fuoriserie guise. On deck, six winches are fitted as standard to allow for dedicated mainsheet winches as well as full halyard and sheet control. The fitment of twin rudders allows for a broad and easily-worked cockpit while the rig benefits from rod standing rigging for optimum strength and minimal weight and cross-section, preparation for symmetrical spinnakers and a hydraulic backstay adjustment. The spars are high-efficiency profile with an increased height section boom to facilitate a larger mainsail area.

For further information about the new Italia 14.98 Bellissima or Fuoriserie, brochures and price lists, any information on any other boat in the Italia Yachts range, please contact us.