Porto Cervo will host two of the most prestigious fixtures in the international sailing calendar this September. The 36th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is scheduled from 6 to 12 September, followed by the 23rd Rolex Swan Cup from 13 to 19 September. These events will attract some of the world’s most competitive and elegant yachts to Costa Smeralda, reinforcing Porto Cervo’s status as a premier offshore sailing venue.
The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will feature two world championships, including the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship and the Rolex IMA Maxi Grand Prix World Championship. The provisional entry list includes nearly 40 boats over 60 feet, with entries still open. Defending champions include David Leuschen and Chris Flowers with their WallyCento Galateia in the Maxi 1 class, and YCCS member Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s wallyrocket71 Django 7X in the Maxi Grand Prix class.
Competitors will face formidable rivals such as Leopard 3, V, Magic Carpet E, Tilakkhana, My Song, Capricorno, and Deep Blue. The Maxi Grand Prix group will see Django 7X contend against Jolt, Bella Mente, Proteus, Jethou, and Balthasar. The competitive debut of the recently launched Northstar III, a new JV76 owned by YCCS member Peter Dubens, will also be a highlight. Additionally, a multihull division will feature six entries, including Allegra, Coco de Mer, Gaea, Highland Fling 18, Layla, and Sophia, the first trimaran to participate in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
The racing programme will alternate between traditional coastal races among the La Maddalena Archipelago and windward-leeward races for the Maxi 1 and Maxi Grand Prix classes off Porto Cervo. This variety presents unique technical challenges across the week, a hallmark of the event.
Following the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Swan Cup will take place, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan. This year’s edition has already garnered 167 entries, nearing the maximum limit of 170. The fleet will showcase a range of Nautor Swan’s history, from the classic Swan 36-001 to the contemporary Swan 128s and Swan 80 Elvi.
The Rolex Swan Cup will feature divisions that highlight ClubSwan Racing, ClubSwan Legacy, and ClubSwan Spirit, catering to both historic and contemporary models. A notable entry is Giuseppe Puttini’s Swan 65 Shirlaf, celebrating its 50th year, which will compete in both events.
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s racing season will continue into early October with the J/70 Cup and Italian Championship, extending the sailing calendar beyond the peak tourist season and benefiting the local area.
For further information please visit www.yccs.com
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