Perfect breeze, blue skies and sunshine coupled with the stunning regatta course off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda made for a perfect first race day in the 2015 Dubois Cup. The event, which hosts a fleet of 10 yachts designed by Dubois Naval Architects, is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from 28th to 30th May.
First to cross the finish line today, after completing a 17 nautical mile course in under 1 hour 30 minutes, was the 46-metre sloop Ganesha.
Despite yesterday’s provisions of light winds a consistent northerly breeze filled in just in time for the start of Race One and the YCCS Race Committee sent the fleet north of Porto Cervo on a course winding through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.
Nirvana, at 54 metres the giant of the fleet, also had a good day and took second place in the classification styled using the ORCSy handicap rule.
Third place went to the 29-metre Alcanara, no doubt thanks in some part to the local knowledge provided by renowned Italian America’s Cup sailor Mauro Pelaschier on tactics.
Alex Pamment, Captain of Ganesha, was happy with the day’s performamnce: “Great conditions today, the race started in 11-12 knots, we’re expecting some more wind tomorrow so today was a nice way to break ourselves in. Our team effort was great today, we practised a lot yesterday and there was a big shift on the first beat which we were able to capitalise on well – the crew did a nice job. Overall full marks to our team, great driving and great crew-work today brought us a good result, obviously it’s another big race tomorrow with more wind. I think we’ve participated at all five of the Dubois Cups and our name is certainly on the trophy, we are aiming to get the Ganesha name back on this famous bit of silverware. The nice thing here is the camaraderie, and it’s very interesting for all the owners to see the range of Dubois boats.“
Sailors gathered to exchange post-race run downs over the customary refreshments in the Piazza Azzurra overlooking Porto Cervo Marina while owners will be attending tonight’s gala dinner at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.
Racing is scheduled to start at 13.00h today for the Breed Media Race Day.