Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - Tight at the top after day 3

by International Maxi Association on 4 Sep 2014 Day three of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship was blessed with bright sunshine and a northerly gradient breeze, which shifted north east in the afternoon. A significant swell was still evident and changeable conditions developed as the sea breeze arrived during the afternoon. All classes, save the Mini Maxi Racing division were set a coastal course of approximately 30 miles. The Mini Maxis fought out two high octane windward leeward races several miles offshore.

In the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship, Mills 68 Caol Ila with IMA member, Alexander Schaerer at the helm, won the first race of the day after IRC time correction. George Sakellaris RP72, Shockwave won the last race by just 11 seconds after IRC time correction. Shockwave and Caol Ila both posted a third to go with their victories, to equal the lowest points score of the day.

'That was a much better day than yesterday.' Smiled Alexander Schaerer dockside. 'It was an interesting race for us because we have not raced windward leewards for some time, so yesterday we were trying to get back into short race course mode and our results were not as we would like but today we got back into the right frame of mind and it is looking more promising for the rest of the week. We have a day off tomorrow and we have some friends coming to dinner. After today's performance it will be a very enjoyable occasion, where we can relax and enjoy an informal party. The spirit in the class is really nice, the owners and the crew come from all over the world and they are here for the competition but also to enjoy the occasion.'

After four races, the nine-strong Wally Class looks likely to reach a dramatic conclusion by the end of the week. Jean Charles Decaux's Wally 80, J-One still leads the class but after today's coastal race, J-One's lead is now just a single point. Wally Cento, Magic Carpet 3 helmed by IMA member Sir Lindsay Owen Jones won today's race to tie for second place for the regatta with Wally 100, Y3K, helmed by IMA President, Claus-Peter Offen. One of these three yachts is likely win the Wally Class.

IMA Secretary General, Andrew McIrvine was a guest on board, Wally Cento, Open Season owned by Thomas Bscher, IMA Vice-President for the Wally Category.

'I think it is very important that the officers of the club sail race at regattas, it gives me a first hand, practical demonstration of how the regatta is performing and I intend to sail with as many members as possible this week,' confirmed Andrew McIrvine. 'I have been sailing and racing for a long time but Maxis are a relatively new experience for me and they are always evolving. To witness the complexity of manoeuvres and the amount of time required to make decisions, gives me a better understanding of the event than by sitting in an air conditioned office discussing the possibilities. Tonight, the members will enjoy the Annual IMA Dinner, which will be a well-attended and memorable occasion. The cuisine and standard of service at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is envied, even in Italy and I am sure that the wines supplied by association member, Vittorio Moretti will be as enjoyable as the company.'

With tomorrow's lay day being applied, racing will continue at the regatta on Friday September Click here for International Maxi YCCS