Italy

International Maxi Association (IMA)

The 21.96-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8709" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Longitud Cero (Company)">Longitud Cero</a> Maxi 72 Mills yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16938" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balthasar21.95m (72'0&quot;)Longitud Cero2013">Balthasar</a> has secured victory in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi Class under IRC corrected time at the 2026 RORC Round Antigua 600. She completed the course in 3 hours 54 minutes 4 seconds, narrowly beating rivals by just 30 seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/386179/image/large-a5e2ab84c386349c304cdc3b1866b067.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/386179">Although RORC Nelson’s Cup winner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> was first across the line, setting a new monohull course record of 3 hours 32 minutes 58 seconds, she finished second on IRC corrected time.&nbsp;“It was just amazing how close we were the whole way,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> tactician Chris Nicholson. “We were close behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> and then we just played a few shifts halfway up the beat from the end of the island and ran a bit of risk there, splitting away offshore. And at one stage we were going to cross ahead in a big way but it got super close at the end.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/386177/image/large-199bc87ef4c74269adf27f589927088c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/386177">Seven maxi monohulls competed in the IRC division from 17 to 20 February, five of which had raced in the Nelson’s Cup Series: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16938" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Balthasar21.95m (72'0&quot;)Longitud Cero2013">Balthasar</a>, the 30.48m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a>, the Botin 85 yacht Deep Blue, the 30.48m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Green Marine (Company)">Green Marine</a> yacht Galateia, the 30.46m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaghy</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack 10030.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack 100</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo (Company)">Volvo</a> Ocean 65 yacht Jajo.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/65432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="30m McConaghy maxi yacht Leopard 3 claims victory at RORC Nelson’s Cup (2026-02-20 10:30:00 +0100)">30m McConaghy maxi yacht Leopard 3 claims victory at RORC Nelson’s Cup</a>Starting and finishing off English Harbour beneath Fort Charlotte, the race forms part of Antigua’s offshore programme. The Round Antigua Race leads into one of the Caribbean’s premier offshore events, the RORC Caribbean 600, which begins today, 23 February 2026.

RORC Antigua 600 2026 results

The 24.96-metre Maxi 72 Mills yacht Balthasar has secured victory at the RORC Antigua 600.

Maxi 72 Mills yacht Balthasar claims victory at RORC Antigua 600

The 30-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaghy</a> maxi yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> has secured overall victory at the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Nelson’s Cup in Antigua. She clinched the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a> (IMA) Maxi title, winning the concluding race to take the trophy by a margin of just two points.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385971/image/large-05ada2e7dc35944845353165e55ab12f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385971">Held off English Harbour from 17 to 20 February, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi fleet raced beneath the sheer cliffs overlooked by the 18th-century Fort Charlotte, where the race committee was based. The regatta concluded with two decisive coastal races: one of 20 miles followed by a 10-mile sprint, which ultimately determined the overall standings.The opening race saw the 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> secure the favoured end of the starting line, converting a strong start into her first win of the week.“The first race was great,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a>’s captain Jack Bouttell. “We had a really good start and we won the cliff end and then from there you're pretty good, because you can basically call water on the fleet.”After a tightly contested battle, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> crossed the line ahead and secured victory by just 19 seconds over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> on IRC corrected time, with Maxi 72 Mills yacht Balthasar placing third.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385970/image/large-97cf4c688ce124ead9eef3b5937fe474.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385970">A fifth-place finish for overall leader Botin 85 yacht Deep Blue compressed the standings, leaving just a single point separating the top three boats heading into the final race.“You just end up tacking out and then you're in a land-favoured beat, so you're always able to then be first to come back into the shore, so it's a pretty strong position. I think the rest of the race we just sailed cleanly,” added Jack.&nbsp;Although a passing squall threatened to disrupt proceedings, the weather system veered south of the course. This left steady winds of 18 to 19 knots and ideal racing conditions.The start of the second race saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> and the 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Green Marine (Company)">Green Marine</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> manoeuvring within metres of each other. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> emerged in a strong position and gradually extended her lead around the course.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/385969/image/large-f545fb0ed6d66a33fc0ac0885efdd013.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/385969">Under IRC corrected time, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> secured victory by more than two and a half minutes over <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>, with Balthasar once again third. The result was enough to hand Leopard 3 the overall <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi title by two points. Deep Blue held overall second place, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> claimed third.“It was very tight going into that last race,” said Leopard 3 owner Joost Schuijff. “As a team we are very strong and the boat is very good. We're still in our programme of improving different things and we're getting better and better.”The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi prizegiving, supported by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> and the RORC, was held at the historic Admiral’s Inn in Nelson’s Dockyard. Notably, with Wendy Schmidt of Deep Blue and Lizz Flowers of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> collecting trophies, two-thirds of the podium featured female skippers.Racing in Antigua continues with the Antigua 360 around the island, followed by the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 on Monday.

McConaghy yacht Leopard 3 RORC victory

The 30-metre McConaghy maxi yacht Leopard 3 has secured overall victory at the RORC Nelson’s Cup.

30m McConaghy maxi yacht Leopard 3 claims victory at RORC Nelson’s Cup

The second stage of the 2025 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi European Championship is officially underway in the Gulf of Naples, following a dramatic Regata dei Tre Golfi offshore race last week. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360781/image/large-aed774987ada8d4bbc8e50b7c981cd28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360781">Hosted by the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association (IMA)</a>, the fleet of 23 competing maxis returned to the water on Sunday for the opening inshore race, with light southwesterly conditions. Despite the sub-10 knot breeze and occasional lulls, the racing remained tight throughout the fleet.Ranging from the 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14556" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet e30.48m (100'0&quot;)Persico Marine2025">Magic Carpet&nbsp;</a>E, owned by Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones to Giuseppe Puttini’s Swan 65 ketch Shirlaf, the fleet tackled a 15-nautical-mile composite course. This included a windward-leeward segment followed by a triangle, with the start and finish off Sorrento. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360777/image/large-ab33d3ed6b03d7a062d7406209a9e855.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360777">Chris Flowers and David M. Leuschen’s 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> showed early pace, leading the charge towards Capri after a strong start. She rounded the top mark ahead of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14556" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet e30.48m (100'0&quot;)Persico Marine2025">Magic Carpet E</a> and Karel Komárek’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a>. But it was Peter Harrison’s 72-foot Jolt that made the biggest impact of the day, finishing as the top performer in both the Maxi Grand Prix class and the overall standings.Sitting just one point ahead of Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente, the winner of the offshore race, Jolt now leads the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi European Championship after the opening inshore round.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/63347" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IMA’s Regata dei Tre Golfi begins in Sorrento, Italy (2025-05-19 10:45:00 +0200)">IMA’s Regata dei Tre Golfi begins in Sorrento, Italy</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360782/image/large-abd5c2529580688ff50ae6d16e539289.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360782">“It was a very nice day,” said Jolt’s tactician, America’s Cup veteran Ed Baird. “We were lucky enough to stay in clear lanes as we have to be very cautious of what the 100-footers are doing, because they're just fast enough that you can get yourself in a lot of trouble. Fortunately we were able to avoid the traffic long enough to play the game from the front end.”Jolt benefits from the highest IRC TCC in the Maxi Grand Prix class, thanks in part to her trim tab. However, Baird acknowledged that such conditions require ongoing adaptation: “Today it worked and there will be other days where it doesn't, so we just have to keep learning.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360780/image/large-8164b27bd40913b2e6b613f687f1dd29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360780">Finishing second overall and first in the Maxi 100 class was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>, just 1:38 behind Jolt on corrected time. Having recently undergone upgrades including a longer bowsprit, larger sails, and the addition of an interceptor, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> increased her rating from 1.781 to 1.802. The changes were completed under tight deadlines, following a delayed return from the Caribbean.“A lot of people did very long hours,” commented tactician Kelvin Harrap. “Like any sport, you have to keep evolving because if you don't, you're on the back foot.”As well as this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> was helmed by Chris Flowers’ daughter Liz, with Harrap praising the team’s start strategy. “We got the start we wanted, going left from up the line. We thought there was a little more pressure offshore, but we knew it was going to bend left. We had to make a few extra tacks than we wanted, but we managed to manage the boats to the left-hand lay line and then from there it was a reasonably easy race for us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360779/image/large-a1637d4eac422efa38f112552dacb513.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360779">In the Maxi Alpha class, Guido Paolo Gamucci’s Cippa Lippa X led the charge, finishing 12th overall. The canting keel Mylius 60 held off Paul Berger’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a> and Jean-Pierre Barjon’s Spirit of Lorina. The team’s decision to use their Code Zero on the first two triangle legs proved decisive, especially as rivals opted not to.In the Maxi Bravo class, Vincenzo Addessi’s Fra Diavolo claimed top honours, finishing 11th overall ahead of Benoît de Froidmont’s Wallyño and Luca Scoppa’s Blue Oyster. “We sailed a great race, so we deserved first place,” said Addessi. “The race committee chose a very good course, it was very technical because there were many wind angles, although Fra Diavolo prefers a little more wind.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360778/image/large-6f42581349f36fea24d0efcbfd7f485c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360778">The Tre Golfi Multihull Trophy also resumed, with Riccardo Pavoncelli’s Gaetana, a Gunboat 68, continuing to dominate. Under the direction of offshore racing veteran Brian Thompson, she once again corrected out ahead of Lord Laidlaw’s Highland Fling XVIII and Adrian Keller’s Allegra.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi European Championship continues this week, with three more days of inshore and coastal racing scheduled before the 2025 title is decided.

Day 2: IMA Maxi European Championship 2025

The second stage of the 2025 IMA Maxi European Championship is officially underway in the Gulf of Naples.

Jolt takes the lead after day 1 of the Inshore Racing at IMA Maxi European Championship

The fourth edition of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s Maxi European Championship began on 16 May with the start of its offshore component, the Regata dei Tre Golfi; the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia's offshore race which is celebrating its 70th edition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360633/image/large-37a2b5bacbb7da072327c25c67ab8f9f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360633">Organised by the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia (CRVI) and taking place until 22 May, the 156-nautical mile offshore race defied expectations of light Mediterranean airs, with brisk north-easterlies propelling the fleet from Naples to Ponza, past Capri and on to the finish line off the Sorrento Peninsula.A dramatic spinnaker start in 15 knots of breeze set the tone on Friday afternoon, with Chris Flowers and David M. Leuschen’s 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> seizing an early lead. She reached the Ponza turning mark at 20:00, ahead of a high-calibre fleet including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Highland Fling XVIII24.65m (80'10&quot;)Gunboat2023">Highland Fling XVIII</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14556" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet e30.48m (100'0&quot;)Persico Marine2025">Magic Carpet e</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360630/image/large-b79ae921c80ba31ebbbef10919e2d9c3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360630">Continuing at pace, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> maintained her advantage through the night, crossing the finish line at 05:54:42 on Saturday morning. Her elapsed time of 13 hours, 19 minutes and 42 seconds smashed the previous course record, which had been set on a shorter course by Jethou in 2023.“There was a northeasterly gradient wind coming from the land, but how it came off the valleys and hills was tricky, the devil was in the detail,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>’s navigator Simon Fisher. “Obviously there were a couple of boats, like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8344" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scallywag30.48m (100'0&quot;)Cookson Boats2005">Scallywag</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arca SGR 30.48m (100'0&quot;)The Yard Brisbane2003">ARCA SGR</a>, that were supposed to be a lot quicker, especially with a lot of reach, so it was a nice result for Galateia.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360632/image/large-5e30acede3cf9353cb6b4487dbc6367e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360632">However, it was Bella Mente that stole the show in the Maxi class standings. Owner Hap Fauth and his seasoned team, the defending <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi European champions, delivered an exceptional performance.&nbsp;After losing ground south of Capri, Bella Mente found the breeze first off the Amalfi coast and powered ahead to finish third on the water, just over six minutes behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/14556" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet e30.48m (100'0&quot;)Persico Marine2025">Magic Carpet e</a>. Her corrected time under IRC secured her victory in the Maxi Grand Prix class by a commanding margin of 43 minutes and 47 seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360629/image/large-aa2c141d8ac3585200911fd1c284a99c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360629">“We kept reminding ourselves that it wasn’t the first battle we needed to win, it was the last,” said Bella Mente’s Mike Sanderson. He noted that at times they were reaching in 24 knots of wind, with the boat hitting speeds of 26 knots under triple headsails. Despite taking on significant water, which impacted their onboard systems, the American team prevailed.Peter Harrison’s Jolt placed second overall, while former European champion Peter Dubens’ North Star completed the Maxi podium in third. “We sailed pretty well,” said Jolt tactician Ian Walker. We were good on the upwind, but got buffeted up behind Belle Mente. Then we ended up sailing into no wind - head to wind with the Code Zero up going backwards. Otherwise it was an awesome race with a downwind start and four hours flat out at the perfect reaching angle, doing 20-25 knots.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360634/image/large-f715cfc7745cf9fb79ca0738bc4e05dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360634">In the Maxi Alpha class, Paul Berger’s Swan 80 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a> triumphed over Atalanta II and Cippa Lippa X. Tactician Romain Mouchel credited a steady strategy through the early breezy phase, followed by strong upwind performance and patience through a lottery-like shutdown approaching Li Galli. “We are very happy with the end result,” he said.The Maxi Beta class was won by Giuseppe Puttini’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 65 ketch Shirlaf, ahead of Blue Oyster and Fra Diavolo.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/360628/image/large-b88c9927e5d359f66b30b4e932fae501.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/360628">The Regata dei Tre Golfi now gives way to the inshore/coastal racing component of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi European Championship, taking place out of Sorrento from 19 to 22 May.

IMA’s Regata dei Tre Golfi begins in Sorrento, Italy

The fourth edition of the International Maxi Association’s Maxi European Championship began on 16 May.

After a windless Friday for the maxi yachts at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 2024">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez</a>, racing resumed on Saturday with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez organising the final day of competition. This marked the conclusion of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2024 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge. While the larger yachts in Maxi A and B were sent on a second coastal race, the smaller Maxi C and D classes raced a single windward-leeward course, sealing the results.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331562/image/large-53197ebf7abc28666b468326be33c281.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331562">Maxi A resultsIn the larger classes, the dominance of Peter Harrison’s Maxi 72 Jolt in Maxi A and Terry Hui’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> 77 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> in Maxi B remained largely unchallenged, despite some obstacles.Jolt, unbeaten in her first four races, suffered damage on Thursday after hitting a rock. Despite this setback, she finished second in Saturday’s race, securing overall victory. Jethou, owned by Sir Peter Ogden, won the final race but placed second overall, three points behind Jolt. Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Django Unchained25.25m (82'10&quot;)Goetz Composites2009">Django HF</a> came in third.“We had one bad day when we had a ‘coming together’ with the mainland,” said Harrison, “but today was great – we maintained our place and are very happy with the result.”Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/61639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Day 3: Shift in rankings at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez as the competition heats up (2024-10-04 15:30:00 +0200)">Day 3: Shift in rankings at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez as the competition heats up</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331560/image/large-e83708ada9a4ca6d3ae047900f45d698.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331560">Maxi B resultsIn Maxi B, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> had a blemish on her scorecard after getting stuck in a windless zone on Thursday, handing the win to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a>. Nevertheless, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a>’s dominance was unquestionable, winning five out of six races and securing her sixth consecutive victory at Les Voiles.As the event closed, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a>’s Danish crewman entertained the crowd with boogie piano music from a portable keyboard on the yacht’s aft-deck, providing a fitting end to the regatta.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331561/image/large-e6bfffd24e663098925c6238256af7ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331561">Maxi C and D resultsThe competition in Maxi C was fierce, with a tight podium battle between defending champion Benoît de Froidmont’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> 60 Wallyño, Luigi Sala’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2506" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vismara Marine (Company)">Vismara</a> 62 Yoru, and Jean-Pierre Dreau’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5930" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mylius Yachts (Company)">Mylius</a> 60FD Lady First III. In Saturday’s race, Wallyño won by just over a minute, but Yoru’s consistent performance throughout the week, including three victories, secured her the overall win by a single point, with Lady First III finishing third.Despite two back-to-back wins in the Maxi D class by Luca Scoppa’s Blue Oyster, Anthony Ball’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 65 Six Jaguar maintained her lead, having won the first three races. Six Jaguar finished second in Saturday’s final race, but claimed the overall Maxi D title, three points ahead of Blue Oyster&nbsp;with the CNB 60 Expression of London in third.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331564/image/large-bf830ad5ed582408cb177c8bf441d67b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331564">“The week has gone exceptionally well,” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Secretary General Andrew McIrvine. “I’d like to thank the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, their race officials and volunteers and congratulate the worthy winners.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> maxi racing continues on 19 October with the Rolex Middle Sea Race, the opening event of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a>’s 2024-25 Mediterranean Maxi Offshore Challenge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331563/image/large-bdb97f52de807daf5064a79bf466c721.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331563">

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 results

The final day of racing for the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2024 took place on Saturday, with the winners of each Maxi class announced. 

Following a lay day on Wednesday, the third day of racing at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 2024">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez</a> saw significant changes as the 41 maxi yachts returned to the Bay of Pampelonne. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331360/image/large-301700b314966c3485bc1b9ca899875c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331360">Organised by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the regatta is also the final event of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2024 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge. Thursday’s racing featured a shift in courses, with the faster boats in Maxi A and B taking on a 45-kilometre coastal race, while the slower Maxi C and D classes competed in two windward-leeward races.The day started with a northerly wind, the opposite of earlier conditions, creating a tricky transition zone. The wind dropped before filling in from the south, adding complexity to the already challenging courses.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/61619" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Day 2: Perfect racing conditions for the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (2024-10-02 13:45:00 +0200)">Day 2: Perfect racing conditions for the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331361/image/large-5dfd8eb20189e98de9b4f769be91fed2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331361">Maxi A resultsIn the Maxi A class, Peter Harrison’s 22-metre Jolt, which had dominated the previous races, suffered an unexpected setback. While exiting the Bay of Pampelonne, Jolt touched bottom, causing bumps and bruises among her crew. Although the team managed to complete the race, Jolt finished an uncharacteristic sixth. Despite this, she still leads the overall standings, with racing set to resume today (Friday)With Jolt out of contention for the day, Remon Vos’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> 100 took full advantage, winning both on the water and under IRC corrected time. The lightweight 30.46-metre yacht, with her towering 40-metre mast, handled the tricky transitions between the shifting winds exceptionally well. “It was headland racing – good fun,” commented Black Jack tactician Mark Bradford. “We managed the transitions well, and that made the difference.”Behind Black Jack, Sir Peter Ogden’s 23.5-metre Jethou continued her consistent performance, finishing second for the fifth consecutive time. Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Django Unchained25.25m (82'10&quot;)Goetz Composites2009">Django HF</a> rounded out the podium in third. With the first discards now in play, Jolt still leads the overall standings, four points ahead of Jethou.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331363/image/large-63c04024d55684638b0ff15b62bbebf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331363">Maxi B resultsIn Maxi B, Terry Hui’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a>, the matte black 24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> 77, saw her perfect scoreline broken by Paul Berger’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a>, a 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 82FD. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a> outpaced <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> by over 12 minutes under IRC corrected time. “We were a bit lucky, but the boat performs well in light wind,” said Vincent Fertin, Kallima’s coach. The heavier <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a> took advantage of the light conditions, particularly in flat water, allowing her to carry momentum through tricky wind patches.Despite the loss, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> still holds a four-point lead in the overall standings, with Christian Oldendorff’s 33.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a> sitting in second and Kallima just one point behind in third.Racing continues today, with the event concluding on Saturday. As the competition tightens, all eyes will be on whether the current leaders can hold their positions or if further surprises lie in store.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331362/image/large-8003d6624bc7af711ca1759c8ac21fa5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331362">

Day 3: Shift in rankings at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

Day 3 of the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez saw changes in the rankings among the larger yachts, as the competition heats up.

Day 3: Shift in rankings at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez as the competition heats up 

After two exhilarating days of racing at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 2024">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez</a>, the final event of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2024 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge, the leaders in all four classes continue to maintain perfect scorelines. The competition, which has taken place in ideal conditions, has seen close battles among the larger yachts, all above 24 metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330749/image/large-2f591d1e2fd5a29b7f83d8c0762a2a3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330749">The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez once again organised coastal races for the smaller Maxi C and D classes, while the larger, faster Maxi A and B yachts competed in windward-leeward races in the Bay of Pampelonne.Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/61604" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Day 1: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez maxi yachts off to a strong start (2024-10-01 13:30:00 +0200)">Day 1: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez maxi yachts off to a strong start</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330745/image/large-13c1091b961b6fbe1f586a96893ef4eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330745">Maxi A resultsPeter Harrison’s 22-metre Jolt continues to dominate the Maxi A class, delivering two more flawless performances. In the first race, Jolt got off to a perfect start, crossing the fleet within the first minutes and rounding the top mark ahead of Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Django Unchained25.25m (82'10&quot;)Goetz Composites2009">Django HF</a>, with Sir Peter Ogden’s 23.5-metre Jethou in third place. After IRC time correction, Jolt took the win, with Jethou second and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Django Unchained25.25m (82'10&quot;)Goetz Composites2009">Django HF</a> third.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330746/image/large-91c93bd0e18c6fe2df23d775e5685426.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330746">In the second race, Jolt faced challenges after losing her electronics and hydraulics just before the start, forcing the crew to sail the race using manual controls. Despite this, she secured another victory, finishing one minute and 42 seconds ahead of Jethou, with Wendy Schmidt’s 26-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11516" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue25.91m (85'0&quot;)King Marine S.A.2020">Deep Blue</a> claiming third place."We had a major shutdown just before the start, so we went old school," explained Jolt’s tactician Hamish Pepper. "We were lucky to have everything set right when it happened, and we managed to get around the course despite the handicap."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330748/image/large-ff698394701aafdfaf652f363ec21db3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330748">Maxi B resultsIn Maxi B, Terry Hui’s 24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> continued her winning streak, securing two more wins despite some technical issues. In the first race, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> finished ahead of Christian Oldendorff’s 33.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a>, with Maurits van Orange’s 24.4-metre Sud in third. In the second race, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> once again took the top spot, followed by Andrés Varela Entrecanales’ 20.7-metre Pelotari.Project and Peter Dubens' 18.3-metre Spectre.The 33.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a> also showed impressive form, especially in the second race, where she rounded the top mark first. "Replacing the keel and rudder has transformed the boat," said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a>’s tactician Paul Campbell-James. "We can now sail flatter and more competitively. Our spinnaker drop system allows us to drop kites in 10 seconds, which is a huge advantage."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330744/image/large-8aff29a86e4576244447aeddd3b34efb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330744">Despite some equipment failures, including a snapped main sheet, the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a> acted quickly to stay in the race, ultimately finishing second in the first race.With tomorrow set as a layday for the maxi fleets, racing will resume on Thursday, where competitors will look to build on their performances in the final stages of the event.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330747/image/large-42d453f147bca443d212fd86f8279c93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330747">

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Day 2 results

Day 2 of the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez saw ideal conditions and close battles among the larger yachts.

Day 2: Perfect racing conditions for the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

The Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez race got off to a promising start yesterday as the maxi fleet embarked on the opening races of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2024 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge. With sunshine and moderate southwesterly winds, the conditions were near ideal for the 41-strong maxi fleet, all setting sail from the Plage de Pampelonne.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330604/image/large-39fb2a8106ff79aae78d73f3ff674ced.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330604">For the larger yachts, the race committee of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez laid on two windward-leeward races in the Bay of Pampelonne, where the competition was fierce in the Maxi A and B classes, which featured yachts measuring 24-metres and above.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330601/image/large-a5a8a453ac926fc6922cd81d43e3e612.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330601">Maxi A class resultsIn the Maxi A class, Peter Harrison’s 22-metre Jolt delivered an impressive performance, securing two wins. In the first race, Jolt crossed the line one minute and 48 seconds ahead of Sir Peter Ogden’s 23.5-metre Jethou, followed by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s 25-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Django Unchained25.25m (82'10&quot;)Goetz Composites2009">Django HF</a> in third place. Despite being called over the start line early in the second race, Jolt still managed to finish first, reducing her margin to 57 seconds under IRC corrected time.Much like Jolt, Jethou also faced challenges. Tactician Ian Walker reported a blown spinnaker in the first race and a messy drop in the second, yet they still managed to secure second place in both races. “We were never more than a boat length away from another yacht at any mark rounding,” said Walker, adding that the close quarters made for an exhilarating day of racing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330602/image/large-156d2d954c10150c84c9a546c570885b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330602">Maxi B class resultsIn the Maxi B class, defending champion <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a>, a 24-metre Wally 77 owned by Terry Hui, sailed to victory once again. She won the first race ahead of Paul Berger's Swan 82 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6562" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kallima24.89m (81'8&quot;)Nautor Swan2001">Kallima</a> and Christian Oldendorff's Spirit 111 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a>. In the second race, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> maintained her winning streak, finishing ahead of Maurits van Orange's Wally 80 Sud and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330606/image/large-f624e5882177e4e62a4d12ca3b28749e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330606">Hui, for whom Saint-Tropez is a second home, was pleased with the day's results. "We did well today. We got a good shift on the second race," he commented, praising his tactician, Nicolai Sehested. Hui's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> faces stiff competition from Peter Dubens’ <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6135" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Spectre30.5m (100'1&quot;)AB Yachts2016">Spectre</a>, especially if the weather favours longer downwind stretches later in the week.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330605/image/large-64c7631f00af59c6b2981ff3648d18ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330605">With more favourable southwesterly winds of 10-15 knots forecast for today, the maxi fleet is set for another exciting day of racing, with the larger yachts continuing their battle in the picturesque waters off Saint-Tropez.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez maxi yachts off to a strong start on day one

The Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez race started yesterday as part of the IMA’s 2024 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge.

Day 1: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez maxi yachts off to a strong start

This year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2024">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> boasts a new development: the very first World Championship for ‘Maxi 1’, which will be held from 8 to 14 September.&nbsp;Co-organised by the event’s host, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), along with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association (IMA)</a>, The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2024">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> is set to take place in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321012/image/large-9aacbba35804e13c0eb874ccb4727e41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321012">&nbsp;The new Rolex <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi 1 World Championship will be open to maxi yachts that are up to 30.51-metres in length. Larger maxi sailing yachts, including the 30-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">&nbsp;Leopard 3</a>, and the ClubSwan 80 yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a>, are promised to make an appearance.&nbsp;While the first Rolex Mini Maxi World Championship was held during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2024">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> 2010, the world championships at the event that followed were dedicated to the Maxi 72 and J Class under the auspices of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a>, with the latter taking place out of Newport, RI in 2017. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321013/image/large-2508e2f817af8ea9dea1ba39c33fb647.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321013">“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a> endeavours to adapt its world championships to wherever across the maxi fleet there is the greatest competition,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Secretary General Andrew McIrvine commented. “Over recent seasons we have seen the 100 footers increasingly ramping up their programs with boats that were once cruiser-racers now becoming more thoroughbred racing yachts with all the development, sail programs and elite level crews that that entails. As a result we are expecting at least 10 Maxi 1 yachts to be competing at our new World Championship.”Although the entry to the cup has not closed yet, a notable line-up has already accumulated, with headliners such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a>. Additionally, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8344" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scallywag30.48m (100'0&quot;)Cookson Boats2005">Scallywag</a> – Seng Huang Lee's David Witt-led campaign – is returning to race in the northern hemisphere for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321014/image/large-1dd71da7e9531385b8745491bc78c05c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321014">Among the other competitors are <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bullitt28.3m (92'10&quot;)Wally2018">Bullitt</a>, last year’s Rolex Middle Sea Race winner, the racer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11516" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue25.91m (85'0&quot;)King Marine S.A.2020">Deep Blue</a>, and Django HF, which will participate in her first race following significant modifications. For the newcomer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4273" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capricorno24.0m (78'9&quot;)McConaghy Boats1995">Capricorno</a>, the Rolex <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi 1 World Championship will be her very first race regatta.While yachts 30.51-metres and under are taking part in their own Super Maxi class, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi fleet today consists of yachts between 18.29-metres and 30.51-metres, in accordance with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Maxi Class Rules.“The aim of this is entirely to encourage yachts of a similar performance to race against one another to ensure the best possible competition, rather than rely on any highly subjective terminology,” McIrvine explains.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/321015/image/large-ebef06ffdb05efcdecc68f20963aa12f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/321015">

New World Championship for upcoming Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

This year’s Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup features the very first World Championship for ‘Maxi 1’, which will be held from 8 to 14 September. 


New World Championship for upcoming Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup announced

The 30.46-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaghy</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> turned heads when she nearly broke the race record time completing the offshore race at this year’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Giraglia ">Loro Piana Giraglia</a>. The race took place from 8-12 June in the Bay of Saint-Tropez.&nbsp;Although Wednesday’s race between the Giraglia rock and beyond started under agreeable weather conditions at first, a large gust of wind seemingly carried the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> to the finish line at a near record pace. &nbsp;Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/60716" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="All the action from Day 4 of the Loro Piana Gigralia 2024 (2024-06-12 10:15:00 +0200)">All the action from Day 4 of the Loro Piana Gigralia 2024</a>By Thursday morning, followers of the race were eager to know whether the maxi yacht had managed to trump the record time of 14 hours 56 minutes and 16 seconds, which was set by Igor Simčič’s Esimit Europa II over a decade ago in 2012.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/315242/image/large-c519c3b2ffd83879995f862d48d347f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/315242">They soon learned that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> at actually arrived at 03:23:43 on Thursday morning, meaning she was outside the record time by a mere 15 minutes and 27 seconds.&nbsp;Throughout this year’s regatta, which is the fifth event in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2023-24 Mediterranean Maxi Offshore Challenge, vessels were up against a forecast showing gale force winds of 35-40 knots, causing many contestants to drop out of the race before it began.&nbsp;“In fact we were up with the record until about eight miles out from the finish,” owner’s representative Tristan le Brun, who was on board working on navigation, commented.&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Giraglia ">Loro Piana Giraglia</a> marked an important milestone for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a>, as it was her first event under her new ownership, although her owner was unable to be onboard due to an unrelated injury.&nbsp;“We have our mentors and we are blending the two teams. We are hoping for many wins in the years to come,” Le Brun added. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/315243/image/large-f9d58843e98f18ba0599d4fca7674bbc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/315243">Following close behind her larger rival in the race was the 24.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a>, which had a promising start, until things took a turn for the worst when their mainsail split in two horizontally because the runner caught around the end of the boom.&nbsp;“We finished the race and it worked out in the end,” said tactician Tommaso Chieffi. “The reality was that I knew that the wind was going to be aft of the beam most of the way to Genoa. We did the last 90 miles without the mainsail and still scored a reasonable result.”

31m yacht Black Jack nearly beats Loro Piana Giraglia race record 

The 30.46-metre sailing yacht Black Jack turned heads when she nearly broke the race record time at Loro Piana Giraglia. 

31m sailing yacht Black Jack finishes 15 mins outside Loro Piana Giraglia race record

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Caribbean Multihull Challenge 2024 drew to a close this weekend, with Nigel Irens-designed catamaran <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> winning the inaugural event by one point.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/307974/image/large-b91e9dbf7ffd4ff23b77616bd8bc0402.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/307974">The Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race and Rally is the first race in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Caribbean Maxi Multihull Series (CMMS) which was introduced this year. The CMMS comprises a mix of inshore and offshore races for maxi yachts up until 7 April 2024.The Series concluded this weekend with the BVI Spring Regatta &amp; Sailing Festival held out of Nanny Cay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The Series saw ten maxi multihulls of over 18 metres competing for the win.&nbsp;For the first two races, there was a breeze, which the 25.34-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/271" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Green Marine (Company)">Green Marine</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> prevailed in both. “The around the island race was fun and provided the whole variety,” explained Switzerland’s Adrian Keller. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/307975/image/large-b5b2eab8327a716d8024eea6da6df055.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/307975">There were six competitors in the Performance Multihull class, with Todd Slyngstad’s HH66 catamaran Nemo and Don Wilson’s Gunboat 68 Convexity² in direct competition with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a>. “Although we were only three boats [maxi catamarans], we were never more than two to three minutes apart. It was real racing,” added Adrian Keller.&nbsp;However, there were some significant differences between the trio, with Nemo and Convexity² weighing around half of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a>. “They accelerate and can duck and dive and you try and put pressure on them and they can get out of that and turn the situation around,” explained <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a>’s Australian co-skipper Paul Larsen.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/307976/image/large-8f91ca18007e8139b6d38a6a4c951231.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/307976">“It has been a struggle, so for the big girl to still be able to punch her weight and come second in a sub-six knot regatta is a pretty good result!” In the BVI, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> was assisted for the first time on tactics by Paul ‘CJ’ Campbell-James, wing trimmer for the Canadian SailGP team.Perhaps most memorable to the maxi catamaran competitors was the spirit between the crews. During the Scrubs Island Invitational Convexity² blew up her headboard and the very top of her mast track but it was two crew from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> who offered their services and were up Convexity²’s rig until the early hours of the following morning effecting a repair, so the US team could continue racing.&nbsp;“The next day after racing they (Convexity²’s crew) came over with a bunch of drinks and we invited our other competitor too (Nemo.) And yesterday we visited Nemo,” commented Adrian Keller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/307977/image/large-4b7251054c69ae5147cc15a95b231aa3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/307977"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> was crowned the winner, beating the HH66 catamaran Nemo by just one point. The well-seasoned crew of Nemo, won their class in both the Caribbean Multihull Challenge and BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, however a premium points coefficient for the RORC Caribbean 600, put <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> ahead.From here <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> heads north to the US for the Newport Bermuda Race before returning to Europe where she will take part in the IMA’s new Mediterranean Maxi Multihull Challenge.&nbsp;The trophy for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Caribbean Maxi Multihull Series will be presented to Keller at the Association’s Annual Members Dinner in Porto Cervo in September. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Caribbean Maxi Multihull Series will take place again in 2025.

25m Allegra yacht wins IMA Caribbean Multihull Challenge 2024

The IMA Caribbean Multihull Challenge 2024 drew to a close this weekend, with the catamaran Allegra winning the inaugural event by one point.

25m Allegra yacht wins inaugural IMA Caribbean Multihull Challenge 2024

The 33rd <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2023">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> is underway in Porto Cervo Italy. Starting on 4 September, the race began at 12 as scheduled, however day two was more challenging, with rough waves left over from the onshore breeze the night before impacting the competition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284711/image/large-774052403cf61a9653c238eccc2dcb4a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284711">On the first day the yachts in the fastest classes were Maxi A, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> and the new Multihull Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a>, which is making her debut at the event. The Spirit of Lorina in Maxi C and and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y3K30.5m (100'1&quot;)Wally2009">Y3K</a> in Supermaxi Class took a more direct route to the finish via Passo delle Bisce resulting in shorter courses of 29.7 and 32 miles, with the small difference in length allowing for a compact fleet at the finish line.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a> (IMA) are responsible for organising the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2023">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a>, which is the penultimate event in the IMA’s Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/78571/image/large-b53782ef7ccd204706aaa635cd6e086e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/78571">After day one <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a> took the lead of the Maxi A Class, followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet 3</a>, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> won from the Multihull Class. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y3K30.5m (100'1&quot;)Wally2009">Y3K</a> took the win in the Supermaxi Class, while in the Maxi C Class, the Spirit of Lorina claimed the victory. The Maxi B and J Class yacht races were held off the Gulf of Pevero, with Proteus, Cannonball and Bella Mente sitting on equal points. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> took home two wins amongst the J Class yachts, Bouwe Bekking, tactician on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> commented on the victory stating, “In the first race, we had less wind than expected and had to concentrate a lot on the speed of our boat, but we weren’t flawless in our manoeuvres”.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284699/image/large-074eddf28b60480bbe25db1f7362262e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284699">Competitors on day two of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2023">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> faced some challenging conditions, with a large breeze from the night before affecting the sea state the following morning. All classes sailed longer coastal courses than day one due to the conditions. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5761" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Svea43.6m (143'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2017">Svea</a> in the J Class won the coastal race, while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> was left with torn spinnakers and had to retire from the race.The Super Maxi class showcased a three way tie at the top between Juan Ball’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 115 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5553" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moat35.2m (115'6&quot;)Nautor Swan2016">Moat</a>, Claus-Peter Offen’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y3K30.5m (100'1&quot;)Wally2009">Y3K</a> and Marco Vogele’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inoui33.4m (109'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2013">Inoui</a> after <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5553" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Moat35.2m (115'6&quot;)Nautor Swan2016">Moat</a> won by one minute and 48 seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/284698/image/large-0b15e137b2807b32e636d0c8d07e8fb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/284698"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a> took the victory on the 5th September in Maxi A, while the biggest win took place in the Maxi Multihull class in which <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a> won by one hour, 27 minutes and 38 seconds on ORCmh corrected time. Paul Larsen, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12027" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Allegra 25.34m (83'2&quot;)Green Marine2014">Allegra</a>’s tactician, reflected on the race stating, “These were our conditions. It was properly lumpy so we started with one reef which we shook out later - we have an owner-driver and on this course we are sailing in close quarters with two other hot boats.”Racing started today at 11am, with lighter winds expected of approximately 10 to 13 knots.

The 33rd Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is underway

The 33rd Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is underway, competitors were met with challenging conditions on day two. 

The 33rd Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is underway with challenging conditions on day two

Today marks the commencement of the 18th Palermo-Montecarlo yacht race which sets sail from the Mondello district of Palermo, Sicily and marks the conclusion of the prestigious <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Associations</a> Mediterranean Maxi Offshore Challenge. This year will see four maxi yachts competing in the race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273719/image/large-8945d5ce5c1e0ef8eec3c3b704636774.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273719">The event is organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4337" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club de Monaco (Company)">Yacht Club de Monaco</a> in partnership with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a>, under the patronage of Federazione Italiana Vela and Unione Vela Altura Italiana.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215074/image/large-e2989f92edff0574b9ad16798dc8705f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215074">Among the maxi yachts competing is Australian Peter Harburg’s 30.46-metre sailing yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a>. The maxi yacht set the Palermo-Montecarlo record under her previous name, Esimit Europa 2, boasting 47 hours, 46 minutes and 48 seconds in 2015, this record remains unbeaten. While the slender <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> is an obvious favourite, in her latest form as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a>, this will be the first time Peter Harburg’s team has competed in this race. Mark Bradford, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a>’s skipper commented on the expectations for the yacht stating, “I don’t think we’ll break the record,” he concluded, “I think you need more consistent breeze and you need to be able to go on a straight line from A to B” but “We are still the quickest 100 footer in the light in Australia.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/282264/image/large-300bb4a2bbb4bf8eaca34988812c51f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/282264">Claudio Demartis’s maxi yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11388" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shockwave 327.43m (89'12&quot;)McConaghy Boats2002">Shockwave 3</a> is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a>’s most likely opponent. Previously named Alfa Romeo 1, this will be the first time the maxi yacht has competed in the Palermo-Montecarlo yacht race. Tactician Matteo Ferraglia commented on the 27.43-metre sailing yacht’s prospects stating, “Our biggest challenge will be <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.46m (99'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> for sure. On paper she is faster, but with these conditions, which will be very light, at some moments we can challenge them, because there will be some choices to make.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/282263/image/large-8cf0ff70edc9b575d51c8ba260ad9f20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/282263">The VO65 Sisi sailing yacht and V070 I Love Poland yacht are the other maxis also competing in the race, with I Love Poland previously winning the I<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">nternational Maxi Association</a>’s 2022 Caribbean Maxi Challenge. Today marks the first time that she will compete at Palermo-Montecarlo. The race commences today and will conclude on 27th August.

The 18th Palermo-Montecarlo yacht race

The 18th Palermo-Montecarlo yacht race begins today, with attendees setting sail from the Mondello district of Palermo, Sicily

The 18th Palermo-Montecarlo Regatta commences today with four maxi yachts in attendance.

Day three of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/198" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Giraglia - 2023 - 70th edition">Rolex Giraglia</a> regatta once again saw light winds for the Maxi class. The three day event concluded yesterday, Tuesday 13 June, with Cannonball finishing on a perfect score.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274164/image/large-9ff2010638e1ab33013f0b2737f833bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274164">Organised by the Yacht Club Italiano, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Sanremo and Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the regatta is the third event in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2023 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274165/image/large-e14b0bafce3dd668e735afcaa62dfbf4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274165">Once again, Dario Ferrari’s 22.86-metre Cannonball prevailed in the Maxi 1 class. The Maxi 75 yacht completed the three days of racing by coming first for a consecutive day. Jim Swartz's Vesper once again demonstrated her ability by finishing second, and claiming that position in her overall ranking.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274169/image/large-aaa29830f98c8c7d299666ad77f5f161.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274169">“We perform well in these light conditions. This week we made a couple of good decisions. It is a nice combination of crew and boat and happiness. Everything looks nice and luckily in these conditions we have a little edge on the others, so if you don’t know where to go you can just stay with the others!” explained Cannonball tactician Vasco Vascotto.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274168/image/large-6fa5cf49e9c8e7ac9cfa6bd6b0daf588.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274168">Peter Ogden’s Jethou claimed third place in the day’s racing, but this sadly only secured fifth place in the overall rankings due to her seventh place finish on day one. Northstar was able to claim second place once again for the third day of racing, and this cemented her second place victory in the overall rankings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274166/image/large-e1b5efcf0067d2301cd5e74f6d812c14.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274166">Third place was awarded to Jim Swartz’s Maxi 72, Vesper, who started the three days of racing in sixth place, before rising to second place on day two and fourth place on day three. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4091" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Django Unchained25.25m (82'10&quot;)Goetz Composites2009">Django Unchained</a> finished the event in fourth place just narrowly missing out on a podium finish by one point.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274169/image/large-aaa29830f98c8c7d299666ad77f5f161.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274169">This left Jethou, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2015">Galateia</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10728" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="My Song24.7m (81'0&quot;)Nautor Swan2022">My Song</a>, Black Jack, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a> and Camiranga finishing in positions five to 10 respectively. Today will see the offshore race take place from Saint-Tropez with a first warning signal at 11:55 CEST.

Cannonball finishes first again on day 3 of the Rolex Giraglia 2023

Day three of the Rolex Giraglia regatta once again saw light winds for the Maxi class with Cannonball finishing first.

A clean sweep for Cannonball on the third day of the Rolex Giraglia 2023

The final day of the 19th edition of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PalmaVela Regatta 2023 - 19th">PalmaVela Regatta</a> concluded yesterday, with the 30.48-metre &nbsp;yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> claiming the win for the Maxi A class. Held at Real Club Náutico de Palma, Spain, PalmaVela is the opening event of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">International Maxi Association</a>’s 2023 Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269195/image/large-fe0941644548d5bf742440e79cda8a8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269195">The final day of racing got off to a slow start, with the two maxi classes waiting for more than two hours for the land breeze to subside and for the wind to fill in. The two largest yachts, the Wallycentos <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> were at each other’s jugulars during the nine mile coastal course in sub-10 knot conditions.Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones’ blue-hulled giant, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a> made the best of the first upwind to lead around the top mark. But <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> was swifter to dowse her Code 0 at the next turning mark, and managed to nose ahead. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269216/image/large-156d12a55e4529e5cdc9a33a75b8052d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269216">This lead was furthered when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a> chose to take the inshore route down the west coast of the Bay of Palma and was unable to move through lack of wind. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a> put up a fight against <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> right up to the finish line, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> winning the overall Maxi A race.“Palma has always been very kind to us,” said co-owner David M. Leuschen of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>. “Maybe it is because the boat is based here! It is the third or fourth time we have raced here and we have had good luck every time.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269217/image/large-26d6f355389cf0a462c51bcec3e76d5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269217">As well as winning her class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> also won the trophy for the best placed IMA member and strongly started her campaign for the 2023 IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge. “We have got a great crew that we continue to tweak and we seem to learn something new every race: Today we did a gybe peel just before the finish – the crew did a masterful job,” added David M. Leuschen.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a> finished second overall and prevented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a> from achieving a perfect scoreline by winning Friday’s second windward-leeward race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269215/image/large-4c4f1dc954ec4f3643d6edef97062f32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269215">“I am not sure we sailed brilliantly, although we sailed okay,” admitted her strategist, America’s Cup legend Tom Whidden. “I rarely talk about luck, but yesterday maybe we had a little bit of bad luck with the wind pulsing in and out and our timing was wrong for a lot of what happened. But on the other days we have had wonderful racing with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>. If it is 10 knots or under, like today, we are quite competitive with them. If it is 10+ knots they are faster. I think they have raised their game a lot too.”The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maxi Association (IMA) (Company)">IMA</a> Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge continues soon, over 15-18 May, with the inshore races of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/193" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IMA Maxi European Championship - 2nd">IMA Maxi European Championship</a>, taking place out of Sorrento on the Bay of Naples.

30m yacht Galateia wins PalmaVela Regatta 2023

The final day of the 19th edition of PalmaVela concluded yesterday, with Galateia claiming the win for the Maxi A class.