Giraglia Rolex Cup - Tixwave emerges overall winner

by KPMS on 21 Jun 2014 In the 62nd edition of the Giraglia Rolex Cup, Bernard Vananty’s Tixwave went one better than last year to secure an overall win in the offshore race. Last year’s bridesmaid to this year’s bride: made to look simple. Tixwave, a Swan 42, finished at 22.50 CEST on Thursday night knocking Luca Locatelli’s Thetis off the top spot in the standings, a position she had held for a mere 30 minutes.

Vananty was predictably delighted with the result. Winning a mythic race like the Giraglia Rolex Cup is every racing yachtsman’s dream: a confirmation of ability, a reward for perserverance and a lasting place in the sport’s long and rich history.

Bernard Vananty: 'It was quite special to do the Giraglia Rolex Cup this year because it is exactly 40 years ago that I did my first one. I was 18/19 years old. It was very windy, we had a prototype boat and we could not finish the race. Last year we came back to do the race again, we were second overall and this year we have won!'

'Prior to the event we thought we could have a chance to win but, of course, we are not the only ones on the starting line with this thought. There are a lot of experienced competitors doing this race, so it is logical that one has to fight for a good result.'

'The entire team is extremely happy, and extremely pleased to have won. It was our goal this year and we were able to achieve this goal.'

'We love this kind of race where you have to stay focused day and night and work in separate teams, which are built up for the race. We worked in shifts of three hours but each one of us stayed engaged during the entire race. Of course to have won this special edition with the finish in Monaco makes it even more valuable.'

This evening attention turns to the inauguration of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s splendid new clubhouse, designed by Lord Norman Foster and situated on Quai Louis II. The ceremony will be conducted by HSH Prince Albert II, the club’s President. It promises to be a spectacular affair with lights and a concert to entertain the invited guests and crews participating in the Giraglia Rolex Cup.

Tomorrow will offer a final, formal opportunity for crews to reflect on their experiences at the 2014 Giraglia Rolex Cup when the prize giving takes place at the Yacht Club de Monaco.



For more detailed information about the 2014 Giraglia Rolex Cup including results and race tracking please visit the Yacht Club Italiano website.