Torbole – The third event of the 2026 J/70 Cup got off to a flying start. Organised by Circolo Vela Torbole in cooperation with the J/70 Italian Class, the regatta, featuring a fleet of more than thirty boats, enjoyed an opening day blessed by a solid Ora breeze, both steady in direction and good in strength. Conditions that PRO Carmelo Paroli and his team of Race Officials made the most of, successfully completing three races.

Taking the early lead with authority was Paint In Black (4-1-3), helmed by Germany’s Michael Grau and crewed by top sailors Willem van Waay and Gonzalo Ribeiro. Clearly comfortable in the day’s conditions, they sailed with remarkable consistency to build a four-point advantage over Matteo Marenghi Vaselli’s gSpot (8-2-2), whose crew includes Olympic sailors Karlo Hmeljak and Tonci Stipanovic.

Completing the provisional podium is Gianfranco Noè’s White Hawk (10-6-1), racing in the OnePro division thanks to the presence of Branko Brcin on board. Rounding out the top five are the American Callisto, helmed by William Felder, who claimed victory in Race 3, and Sweden’s Lexie (1-4-19), skippered by John de Champs, winner of the opening race.

The highest-ranked Corinthian entry is Euro-Voiles, owned by Denis Infante and helmed by Louis Barbet, currently sitting eighth overall, while the leading Mixed team is Jerry, owned by Switzerland’s Thomas Studer, in thirteenth place.

The third event of the 2026 J/70 Cup will resume tomorrow with another three races scheduled. This evening, competitors will gather at Circolo Vela Torbole for the traditional Crew Party, followed by a Gin Vento Experience.

The J/70 Italian Class, which uses the Vakaros RaceSense system to manage race starts, is supported by Lincoln International, Garmin, VelaMania, North Sails Collection, UtilGraph, Gottifredi Maffioli and Gin Vento.