The International Maxi Association (IMA) is supporting the growth of the maxi multihull fleet with its series for 60+ft owner-driver catamarans and trimarans in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean regions.
The IMA Caribbean Maxi Multihull Series (CMMS) consisted of four events this spring, beginning with the Caribbean Multihull Challenge in St Maarten, followed by the RORC Caribbean 600, St Maarten Heineken Regatta, and concluding with the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival in Tortola.
This year’s standout competitor was Marcos Sirota’s Sophia, a 63ft trimaran that participated in all four events, winning twice and placing on the podium in every event. The defending champions, the Gunboat 72 Layla, claimed third place, while Rich McKinney’s Gunboat 68 Little Wing earned second place.
Sirota, who acquired Sophia in October 2025, noted her performance in the Caribbean 600, reaching speeds of 29 knots. He praised his crew and the boat’s design, which is well-suited for both racing and cruising with a high level of safety.
As the focus shifts to the Mediterranean, the IMA Mediterranean Maxi Multihull Challenge (MMMC) will kick off with the Tre Golfi Multihull Trophy from 22-28 May, held in conjunction with the IMA Maxi European Championship. This event is unique for including both inshore and offshore races, starting with the Regata dei Tre Golfi, now in its 71st edition, followed by four days of coastal racing in the Gulf of Napoli.
The 2026 MMMC will feature six events, including the new Superyacht Cup Palma Richard Mille, scheduled for late June. Notably, four multihulls are currently entered, including historical competitors Adrian Keller’s 84ft Allegra and Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s Gunboat 80 Highland Fling 18, who are returning to the regatta circuit this season.
The MMMC comprises a combination of inshore and offshore racing, with notable events like the Aegean 600 in July and the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October. The Aegean 600 follows an anticlockwise route around the Aegean Islands, while the Rolex Middle Sea Race circumnavigates Sicily, starting and finishing off the coast of Valletta.
In September, the multihulls will participate in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, a limited-space event that has already sold out, featuring the IMA CMMS-winning Sophia.
The trophy for the CMMS will be presented to Sirota at the IMA Members’ Dinner in September during the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Laidlaw expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming racing season, highlighting the camaraderie among sailors and welcoming newcomers to IMA events.
IMA Secretary General Andrew McIrvine noted the continued support for the maxi multihull fleet and the increasing participation numbers this season, stating that the fleet is competitive and enjoys unique racing conditions compared to monohull maxis.
2026 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Multihull Challenge Schedule
– 22-28 May: Tre Golfi Multihull Trophy (including inshore and offshore races)
– 24-27 June: The Superyacht Cup Palma Richard Mille
– 5 July: Aegean 600
– 7-12 September: Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup
– 25-27 September: Multihull Cup
– 17 October: Rolex Middle Sea Race
For more information, visit www.internationalmaxiassociation.com.
#imamaxi #MaxiMultihulls #CaribbeanSailing #MediterraneanSailing #SailingLife #IMACaribbean #IMAMediterranean
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
