The fourth and final day of inshore and coastal racing at the IMA Maxi European Championship in Sorrento confirmed the champions in the smaller classes, while the outcomes in Maxi 1 and Maxi Grand Prix were determined by the last race.
Despite an unpromising forecast leading to delays, the Tre Golfi Sailing Week Multihull Trophy catamarans set sail on a coastal course, followed by the IMA Maxi Europeans fleet on a windward-leeward course. Competitors experienced conditions that peaked at 20 knots, surpassing the expected 10-12 knots, which proved challenging for many.
Joost Schuijff’s 100ft Leopard 3, which had previously suffered a boom breakage, thrived in the stronger winds, leading Maxi 1 around the course to win on corrected time under IRC. Skipper Chris Sherlock highlighted their advantageous start at the pin end of the line, leading to a performance that saw them reach 19 knots at the top mark.
Karel Komárek’s team, sailing V, secured the IMA Maxi European Championship title for Maxi 1 with a second-place finish, beating Galateia in the calculations. Tactician Ken Read noted the importance of strategy over pure speed, as they managed to stay ahead of their competitors with a strong tactical plan.
In the Maxi Grand Prix class, Peter Harrison’s Jolt clinched victory on the final day, overcoming Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Django 7X and Peter Dubens’ North Star, finishing with a narrow lead at the top of the leaderboard. Harrison praised the team’s consistent performance throughout the week despite challenges in earlier races.
Guido Paolo Gamucci’s canting keel Mylius 60 Cippa Lippa X finally claimed the title in Maxi 3 after years of effort, finishing with six points. Gamucci attributed their success to improved balance between sail area and handicap. Franz Baruffaldi Preis and Silvia de’ Longhi’s JV62 Manticore scored well but faced spinnaker problems that hampered their performance in the final race.
In the combined Maxi 4-5 class, Vincenzo Addessi’s Mylius 18E35 Fra’ Diavolo defended its title with a solid win, demonstrating superior team experience and preparation. Addessi emphasised the importance of teamwork and technical expertise in achieving their victory.
The Tre Golfi Sailing Week’s Multihull Trophy concluded with an unfortunate wind hole leading to the abandonment of the last race. Adrian Keller’s Irens 84 Allegra claimed the overall title, having been the only multihull to compete in the earlier offshore race.
Looking ahead, IMA racing continues with the 151 Miglia-Trofeo Cetilar offshore race from Livorno to Punta Ala, followed by the Loro Piana Giraglia starting in Saint-Tropez on 13 June.
Read more about the IMA Maxi Europeans here. Results here
For more on the International Maxi Association visit www.internationalmaxiassociation.com
#imamaxi #Sorrento
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