Perini Navi Cup - Fifth edition on the horizon

by Jill Campbell, YCCS on 28 Aug 2013 The fifth edition of the Perini Navi Cup, a fleet regatta for sailing yachts from the renowned Italian shipyard, will commenced tomorrow, 28th August, and run through 31st August. The event, organized in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, will see three days of intense racing around the spectacular coastal courses of the La Maddalena Archipelago accompanied by an exclusive social programme.

Among the 15 sailing yachts that have confirmed their presence is the first-time participant P2, a 38-metre sloop and the first example of the shipyard's Racing Line, the majestic 88-metre clipper The Maltese Falcon, winner of the previous edition of the Cup, will also be present together with Seahawk, Perini Navi's most recent creation and the first of a new series of 60-metre hulls featuring innovative design and new technology which guarantees faster handling and even better performance under sail. The entire fleet embodies innovation, performance and quality design: the distinguishing characteristics that have made Perini Navi a world recognized leader in Italian-made excellence.

Sailing greats taking part in the competition include veteran America's Cup sailor Dawn Riley aboard the 50-metre Silencio while Volvo Ocean Race sailor Justin Clougher and Mike Toppa are aboard the 56-metre ketch Zenji.

Riccardo Bonadeo, YCCS Commodore, commented: 'It is always a pleasure and an honour to organize prestigious events such as the Perini Navi Cup. We have been lucky enough to host some of these spectacular yachts during our regattas in Virgin Gorda and we are now eager to see them on our regatta course in Sardinia. The next few days are sure to be intense and entertaining both on and off the regatta course.'

Giancarlo Ragnetti, CEO of Perini Navi Group commented: 'A lot of our owners come to the Perini Navi Cup for the competition as well as for the friendly atmosphere amongst participants, owners, friends, sponsors and media. Created in 2004 with the idea of gathering some of our owners together so that they could get to know each other, over the years it has grown into a highly competitive regatta. The boats come with top-level teams ready to do battle and to get the best out of the yachts. This is an important event for the Perini Navi team, we have to demonstrate our ability not only to build wonderful sailing yachts, but also to organize an event with over 600 participants from across the globe, with the aim of making each of them feel part of a big, unique family.'

Moncler, main sponsor of the event, has specially created the official clothing for the entire event from the Moncler Grenoble collection using the red, white and blue of the French tricolour, symbol of the brand.

Tomorrow, 28th August will see the fleet arrive and register before the captains' briefing and welcome cocktail at YCCS courtesy of Pommery. The first race is scheduled for Thursday 29th August and will be followed by a cocktail competition between boats organized by Vhernier during which Mrs. Perini and Carlo Traglio, President of Vhernier, will present a specially designed gift to each participating yacht. The Vhernier After Race Cocktail Party at Bar Aqua will round off the evening. After the second day's racing on 30th August a gala dinner will be held for owners at the YCCS Clubhouse. The event concludes on 31st August with the third and final race, the prize giving ceremony and the closing Party in Piazza YCCS website