Porto Cervo, Italy. 6th September 2011.

The quays of Porto Cervo marina are bustling with the owners, sailors, technicians and supporters of the 45 maxi yachts gathered in Porto Cervo for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2011. The event, taking place from 5th to 10th September and organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with the International Maxi Association (IMA), will also include the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship. Over the past few days boats have been measured and weighed and registration procedures completed and the first race of the event is scheduled to start today at 11.30 a.m.
 
The Mini Maxi fleet of 16 racing yachts competing for the title of World Champion includes current champion Ràn 2, owned by Niklas Zennstrom, as well as veteran Maxi competitor Aleph – Aniene 1° Classe with Vasco Vascotto on tactics.
 
America’s Cup Veteran Francesco De Angelis, sailing on the Mini Maxi Alegre, is looking forward to a challenging week: “It will certainly be a windy regatta if the forecast for Mistral all week is correct. There are a lot of boats in the championship and the racing here is always fantastic. Ràn 2 is definitely a strong opponent but our team works well and we will give it our all.”
 
The remaining 29 Maxis will be divided into Racing, Racing/Cruising, Wally and Supermaxi divisions. The Wally fleet includes last year’s division winner Indio, owned by Andrea Recordati, as well as IMA President Claus Peter Offen’s Y3K. The largest yacht in the fleet measuring just over 45 metres is Saudade, owned by Albert Bull, which carries a crew of 24.
 
The varied programme of social events starts this evening with a Welcome Cocktail at the YCCS Clubhouse and will continue with events such as the Annual IMA dinner, the Rolex Owners’ Dinner and a Rolex Crew party. The final prize giving will take place on 10th September.
 
The Race Committee will set a long coastal course for all divisions, including the Mini Maxis, tomorrow Tuesday 6th September. The forecast is for approximately 25 knots of Mistral wind.

Live tracking will be available on www.yccs.com during the event.

Photos: Rick Tomlinson