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Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda – Preview

8-14 September 2024

Excellence has always been synonymous with the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. For over four decades, this prestigious regatta has stood out as a hallmark of the international sailing calendar.

This event has been shaped by the vision of long-term partners Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Rolex, celebrating 40 years of fruitful collaboration.

Rolex Testimonee Paul Cayard, a legendary American sailor and past participant of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, highlights the event’s enduring appeal: “From the nautical setting to race organization, and the off-the-water program, every aspect of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is top-notch. My first competition here was in 1985, and it has significantly evolved over time, offering a diverse and enticing mix of racing. The successful partnership between Rolex and YCCS has made this possible.”

The 34th edition will be held from 8-14 September. Over five days of racing, the skill and teamwork of highly-trained professional crews are put to the ultimate test. In recent editions, around 40 yachts have participated, ranging from 18.29 meters (60 feet) to over 40 meters (131 feet). This year, a select group of powerful yachts measuring from 24.4m (80ft) to 30.5m (100ft) will compete for the inaugural Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship title, increasing the competitive stakes.

Every year, new launches debut at the regatta, showcasing the latest innovations in Maxi yacht design and construction. Intense competition on challenging courses serves as an exacting proving ground. Iconic Maxi yachts from different eras, such as Boomerang and Kialoa IV in the 1980s, Morning Glory and Sayonara in the 1990s, and various models of Alfa Romeo, Magic Carpet, Highland Fling, and Rambler have become part of the event’s rich history.

A crucial aspect of the event’s popularity is its exceptional race management. YCCS Secretary General Edoardo Recchi states, “Together with Rolex and the International Maxi Association, our aim is to provide competitors with the ideal platform to showcase their skills. Classes are meticulously defined based on the yacht’s size, rating performance, and other characteristics, while courses are tailored to match prevailing conditions. We strive to ensure that racing remains exciting and meets the world-class standards expected after so many years.”

The captivating setting of Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago, with its turquoise waters and rocky formations, offers a stunning backdrop for the competition. The quality and variability of sailing conditions, from wind strength to sea state, guarantee challenging races, with no two days alike. One of the most revered locations in the sport, Bomb Alley, weaves between mainland Sardinia and the islands.

As Rolex Testimonee and four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie explains, few places rival the Costa Smeralda for sailing: “The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is inspiring. It is undeniably one of the world’s great sailing destinations, combining breathtaking scenery with demanding, technical race courses. The conditions are consistently exceptional, and the organizers ensure fair and competitive racing.”

The competition features both windward/leeward and coastal courses, where every moment of racing is critical. A clean start is essential, precise mark roundings are crucial, and charting the best course is vital. Effective communication, flawless boat handling, and each crew member’s intrinsic understanding of their role are paramount. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup demands strategic intelligence, navigational skill, and exceptional teamwork.

Achieving success at this event is a highly coveted honor, symbolizing triumph over fierce competition in an extraordinary sailing venue. At the final prize-giving ceremony on Piazza Azzurra, in front of YCCS’s magnificent clubhouse, the achievements of winners are celebrated with engraved Rolex timepieces and the prestigious Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup trophies.

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