Giovanni Soldini celebrates victory in Class40
© Matt Dickens/onEdition/The Artemis Transat

Giovanni Soldini, the italian famous solo sailor, crossed yesterday the finish line of The Artemis Transat race in Marblehead, USA. On a crisp, clear early morning with a biting 18-20 knot north-westerly breeze, Soldini and his one year-old Proto Class40, Telecom Italia, completed the North Atlantic crossing in 16 days 22 hours and 11 minutes, having lead the 11 boats in the fleet since passing Lizard Point on the south coast of England during the first night of the race thanks to his great experience and tactical analysis.
The Artemis Transat is the third victory for Soldini’s one year-old, Guillaume Verdier-designed Class40, Telecom Italia, after first place in the double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre in November 2007 and the Grand Prix Petit Navire in France earlier this year.


Giovanni Soldini on Telecom Italia crossing the finish line


Giovanni Soldini on Telecom Italia celebrates victory in Class40

The Imoca 60 race finished saturday when Loick Peyron sailed Gitana Eighty across the finish line of The Artemis Transat in Boston and the clock stopped counting at 03:15:35 GMT, claiming a third victory in the event as well as a new race record for this legendary sailor


Loick Peyron next to the clock showing his official record finish time
© Matt Dickens/onEdition/The Artemis Transat