Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2007: Entrants Prepare for Voyage from Tenerife to St. Maarten

Porto Cervo, Italy. 15^th November 2007. An international fleet of maxi yachts, representing seven nations – Barbados, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Monaco and Norway - is preparing to head to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain) for the start of the Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2007, which ends in St. Maarten. The event, promoted by the International Maxi Association (IMA) and organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) with the collaboration of Real Club Nautico de Tenerife and St. Maarten Yacht Club, is open to monohull sailing yachts of 18 metres (59 feet) and above racing under IRC handicap.

Racing is due to start on 26^th November while most of the fleet will arrive in Tenerife four to five days earlier in order to complete registrations and make their final preparations prior to the start. The Spanish island is preparing to give owners and crews a fitting send-off with a series of receptions, parties and activities in addition to more technical appointments such as the skipper’s briefing scheduled for 25^th November.

The nine competing maxis will be crewed by anywhere between nine and 15 people.  Although many are equipped with the latest in labour-saving yachting technology and have the benefit of GPS navigation systems, a transatlantic crossing is by no means an easy feat. Crews will cover approximately 3000 miles and can expect to encounter incredibly varied and challenging wind and sea conditions. From the start on Tenerife, where anything from a brisk northerly to the island’s notorious calima -- a hot, sand-laden sirocco -- could be blowing, the fleet will then be looking to take advantage of the northeast trade winds. Named for their ability to propel trading ships across the ocean, the trade winds between about 30° latitude and the equator are generally steady and blow at approximately 11 to 15 knots, but can increase to around 20 in winter. As the maxis near St Martin and the finish line, the more gentle Alizé Caribbean trade wind will kick in and crews can expect to be accompanied by 10 to 12 knots of northeasterly winds.

A wide range of maxis will be competing: from the largest boat in the fleet, the 35 metre (115 foot) Sojana (GBR) owned by Peter Harrison, to the smallest, the 21 metre (70 foot) Mini-Maxi Blue Pearl (GBR) skippered by Anders Johnson, and from the brand new 2007-launched Fado (ITA), chartered by Bernd Kortuem and skippered by Marcello Iacuzzi and Julie Marie (GER), to the 13-year-old Nariida (NOR), owned by Morten Bergesen.

The participating yachts will be battling it out for a variety of trophies including the YCCS Trophy for the first yacht across the line in real time and the IMA (International Maxi Association) Challenge Trophy for the highest-placed IMA Member on corrected time.  The Rolex Trophy and timepiece will go to the overall winner based on IRC handicap.

Prizes will be awarded at the prize giving ceremony scheduled to take place on 14^th December in St Maarten, followed by a reception and dinner in Palapa Marina where participants will get a flavour of Antilles-style hospitality. 

The Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup has been created by the IMA in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in response to requests from owners for a transatlantic race dedicated specifically to maxi yachts. The regatta will also contribute to the IMA’s efforts to establish a seasonal circuit for maxis that will allow owners to compete in summer offshore events in the Mediterranean and Europe before moving to the Caribbean for the traditional winter racing season.

A satellite tracking system will monitor each yacht’s progress for the duration of the regatta and can be accessed for viewing at www.yccs.it

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was founded on May 15^th 1967 by its current President, His Highness the Aga Khan, and a small group of Founder Members, as a non-profit sporting association for those passionate about the sea and marine sports.

The YCCS clubhouse, overlooking Porto Cervo Marina, is considered one of the most prestigious and beautifully functional structures of its kind anywhere in the world and offers members and regatta participants 24 guest suites, a modern Wellness Centre and a Bar and Restaurant on the panoramic Poolside Terrace. The adjoining Piazza Azzurra, the nerve centre of the Race Village during sporting events, hosts a series of cultural initiatives throughout the rest of the year.

The YCCS is twinned with the New York Yacht Club and the Yacht Club de Monaco and has reciprocal agreements with the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Contact:

YCCS Press Office

Jill Campbell, Vincenzo Frigo

Tel. +39 0789 902 200

Cell. +39 340 1674755

Fax +30 0789 9121
www.yccs.it

Barby MacGowan
Media Pro Int'l for YCCS
Tel +1 401-225-0249
barby.macgowan@mediapronewport.com