False Bay Yacht Club’s - Team INTASURE  

In one of the most dramatic finishes in the 114 year history of the Lipton Challenge Cup,  co-skippers Andrea Giovannini & Markus Progli, sailing on the False Bay Yacht Club entry, Team Intasure crossed the line three positions ahead of the 2010 defending champions Knysna Yacht Club and in clinched the 2011 Lipton Challenge Cup 2011 for the first time for False Bay Yacht Clubs . In the final windward leg and only about 50M from the finish line the Defence Sailing Club (WP) managed to sneak ahead and cross the finish line just ahead of the Knynsa entry.

With the win, the team have brought the highest honour in South African sailing to themselves and False Bay Yacht Club. The 2012 Lipton will be sailed in False Bay, where Team Intasure Marine Insurance, will in their local waters, defend their title. Winning The Lipton Cup is the highest achievement for sailors in Southern Africa and the 2011 regatta saw five different race winners in the six race challenge.

Speaking to Andrea and Markus, just after their 2011 win, Andrea told me that winning The Lipton Cup is something he has dreamed of since he started sailing. Markus echoed his sentiments and for this team of young sailors, aged from 13 to 29, they have climbed the Everest of South African Offshore Sailing and won, against the most experienced team ever to defend the Cup. The Knynsa Team  had collectively won The Lipton Challenge Cup 31 times and skipper, Greg Davis had personally won 7 out of the last 10 Challenges.