The Costa Smeralda’s 2006 season of yachting events gets off to a start today with two events organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in the waters off Porto Cervo. From 1-3rd June the YCCS will host the third leg of the Farr 40 European Circuit as well as the third edition of the Vela & Golf Trophy.

The Farr 40 fleet will take to the water at midday today for the first windward-leeward race. Heading into this third series after St Tropez and Capri, Vincenzo Onorato’s Mascalzone Latino holds a 13-point lead over second-placed TWT, owned by Marco Rodolfi. The America’s Cup challenger, who recently declared that he aims to win the next Farr 40 Worlds, will be joined on board by British sailor Adrian Stead calling tactics and will be competing against the likes of former class world champion Massimo Mezzaroma aboard his Nerone.

The Vela & Golf Trophy, established in 2003 and organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with the Pevero Golf Club combines two sports widely practised in the Costa Smeralda. Thursday constitutes a practice day followed by two days of competition among the teams enrolled. All four members of each team must compete both on the green and on the waters off Porto Cervo and the highest combined score wins the Trophy.

Today’s weather forecast predicts strong north-westerly winds and cloudy skies.