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3 November 2005, 10:18 am

CONTI Reflects On Victory

Rolex Osprey Cup 2005

St. Petersburg, Florida, USA

Giulia CONTI (ITA) defeated Anna TUNNICLIFFE (USA) to win the 2005 ISAF Grade 1 Rolex Osprey Cup. Hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, the match racing regatta took place from 27-30 in 'absolutely ideal conditions' according to race co-chair Pat SEIDENSPINNER. CONTI, who will turn 20 this Friday, looks back on her most significant victory on the match racing circuit to date.

Both CONTI and TUNNICLIFFE knocked out the pre-regatta favourites 2003 ISAF Women's Match Racing World Champion Malin MILLBOURN (SWE) and number one in the ISAF World Match Race Rankings Claire LEROY (FRA), respectively, in the semi final round. LEROY went on to win the petit-final 3-2 over MILLBOURN. Sailing with CONTI was Alessandra MARENZI, Giovanna MICOL and Giulia MAZZOTTI.

'Winning this regatta has a special meaning because it is the first time that I have won a ISAF Grade 1 event ,' said CONTI, who has not been match racing since competing in the 2004 Rolex Osprey Cup. 'I think I'm going to remember it for the rest of my life!

'Winning this regatta was really unexpected. I was relaxed. I was there to have fun and to learn as much as possible. My crew did a great job on the water. We were coordinated, inspired and we were sailing fast. We had an amazing five race final against Anna. I think she's a great sailor: aggressive and sailing really fast! It wasn't easy beating her. I think we're going to see her soon in the top of the rankings if she continues match racing!'

There was a consolation round sailed in conjunction with the semi final round to determine places five through to eight. Elizabeth KRATZIG representing the Czech Republic, sailing with crew Lenka SMIDOVA, Alix MANLEY and Amanda CALLAHAN, defeated Linda HÄRSJÖ (SWE), with crew Anna KJELLBERG, Vanja LUNDBERG and Theres HJALMARSSON, 2-0. Rachael SILVERSTEIN (USA) and her crew of Jee LEE, Kristin HERMAN and Becca Thomas SILVERSTEIN, defeated Sandy HAYES (USA), with crew Sandi SVOBODA, Cindy OLSEN and Kiki ZAINEA, 2-0.

Rolex Osprey Cup Final Standings

1. Giulia CONTI (ITA)
2. Anna TUNNICLIFFE (USA)
3. Claire LEROY (FRA)
4. Malin MILLBOURN (SWE)
5. Elizabeth KRATZIG (CZE)
6. Linda HÄRSJÖ (SWE)
7. Rachel SILVERSTEIN (USA)
8. Sandy HAYES (USA)
9. Katy LOVELL (USA)
10. Arabella DENVIR (IRL)