In a closely contested 2025 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge (MMIC), David M Leuschen and Chris Flowers’ 100ft Galateia emerged victorious at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, breaking the recent winning streak of Wallyño, helmed by IMA President Benoît de Froidmont. This win is particularly significant as Wallyño had won the series in 2019, 2023, and 2024, with only one previous win by a different yacht, Capricorno, in 2022.
The MMIC comprises five events, starting with the Sandberg Palmavela in Palma, followed by the IMA Maxi Europeans and the Loro Piana Giraglia. All contenders must be IMA members and participate in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in September, culminating with Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera.
Galateia’s success in 2025 was bolstered by her performance in the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship, which she won in September, setting the stage for her MMIC triumph. However, her journey was nearly derailed by a start-line collision at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez involving Capricorno and the race committee boat. After urgent repairs to a metre-long section of her hull at La Ciotat, Galateia returned in time to compete.
In the final standings, Galateia finished with 319.99 points, edging out Karel Komárek’s Wallycento V, which scored 312.75 points, and Capricorno in third. Proteus, owned by George Sakellaris, led the Maxi Grand Prix class finishing fourth, while Jean-Pierre Barjon’s Spirit of Lorina, having previously won the MMOC, placed fifth in the MMIC.
Launched in 2015, Galateia was designed for David M Leuschen, who later partnered with Chris Flowers. The duo has actively campaigned the yacht across both Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons, often with Flowers’ daughter Lizz taking the helm.
Despite the rocky start at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, tactician Kelvin Harrap acknowledged the team’s resilience and the exceptional support received from the Capricorno crew. Reflecting on the season, Harrap noted the competition between Galateia and V has been beneficial for both teams, pushing each other to improve.
Following her success, Galateia will venture to the Caribbean for three events, including the Nelson’s Cup in Antigua, before returning to Europe to defend her title.
Overall results from the 2025 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge can be found here.
For more information on the International Maxi Association, visit www.internationalmaxiassociation.com.
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