Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup: Classico Costa Smeralda

With the wind speed peaking at over 20 knots, the deep blue Costa Smeralda was festooned with white foaming crests, framed by the rugged backdrop of the Sardinian coast, the conditions for the last day of the regatta were nothing short of spectacular. The 35 strong Maxi fleet savoured a high octane climax to one of the world's most famous regattas.

The principal race officer, Peter Craig, set two windward leeward courses for Mini Maxi Racing, Wally and the J-Class. All three classes were still hanging in the balance and the feisty conditions added to the tension. All other classes were set a coastal course through the La Maddalena Archipelago with a blast reach out to open water and a downwind run to a short beat to the finish.

Andres Soriano's Mills 72, Alegre has led the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship from the first race and held their nerve today, scoring a third and a fourth place to secure the world crown for the first time. Andres Soriano spoke about the win, as Alegre reached the dock to huge applause.

“It’s a great achievement of the team to be World Champion. I’m relieved, it’s something we strove for, we’ve been (in this position) two times already and we finally were able to get over the hurdle. We sailed our own race; loose, relaxed, confident like we have all week. This year the level of the competition has been raised, more than anyone of us could have imagined.”

Several Mini Maxi owners went over to Alegre to congratulate Andres and his crew including Hap Fauth and Niklas Zennström, who have both won the world championship before. “Alegre sailed a great series and deserved the win – it's his turn.” commented Bella Mente's Hap Fauth. Despite winning both of today's races, Niklas Zennström's JV72, Rán 5 was third for the championship, by just half a point from runner up, Robertissima, helmed by Roberto Tomasini Grinover.

“Congratulations to Andres and Alegre, they sailed well, remained consistent and deserved their win and we will be looking forward to more battles to come.” commented Niklas Zennström. “This is our first world championship with our new boat and we have learnt a lot this week about how to sail the boat. This is the perfect environment to see where we need to improve. Rán will be here next year and we will be coming to win back our title.”

In the Wally Class, IMA member Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones Wally Cento, Magic Carpet 3 won the first race of the day by a handsome margin to lead the class but there was high drama in the final race. Magic Carpet 3 had a huge lead but a problem flying their gennaker nearly cost them the race. A smart recovery from the crew won Magic Carpet 3 the race. After the scores were finalised, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones' Magic Carpet 3 won the last race by just ten seconds to secure his sixth Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup title.

“It ended up being very close but it was a close week.” commented Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones. “J-One is a great boat and know that because I used to own her and Jean Charles (Decaux) and his team sail J-One very well. Claus-Peter (Offen) with Y3K has always been a tremendous competitor. We have been next to Y3K on the dock and they applauded us in today and we would do have done the same, that is the Wally spirit. We enjoy each other's company but after all it is a competition and this is the regatta we all want to win.”

Lord Laidlaw's Racing Maxi, Highland Fling was unmatched for speed all week, scoring 5 straight wins. America's Cup sailor, Mike Toppa was in the afterguard. “Just superb conditions today, exactly what Highland Fling was built for. Irvine Laidlaw was all smiles helming today, especially reaching across the top La Maddelena, 'Fling was surfing along at over 20 knots. When it blows like this, there is no place in the world that can match it.”

IMA Secretary General, Andrew McIrvine was a guest aboard Highland Fling today. “A fantastic experience of power and balance.” commented Andrew. “Off the breeze, the speed and acceleration was tremendous but the boat was so well balanced. The crew are all top professionals and their trimming and boat handling skills are second to none. Congratulations to all of the winners. In each class, there can only be one winner but the conduct on the race course and the gentlemanly behaviour between the competition should be roundly applauded.”

At the prize giving, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, as President of the Board, represented the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda together with the Commodore, Riccardo Bonadeo.Gian Riccardo Marini, General Director of Rolex SA presented a Rolex timepiece to five class winners.