A selection of images from a typical racing day at Giraglia Rolex Cup

by Quinag on 14 Jun 2017 Today marks the third and final day of inshore racing at the 2017 Giraglia Rolex Cup. The international fleet of nearly 250 yachts will once again engage in close competition on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Clear blue skies, constant sunshine and light winds have characterised the first two days of an inshore series that is tactically demanding, requiring excellent teamwork, precision in manoeuvres and strong communication.

The following selection of images explores a typical day of racing at the Giraglia Rolex Cup.

Alex Schaerer’s Caol Ila R, one of three competing Maxi 72s, has proved to be the fastest yacht on the water and on handicap in both races so far, and leads her class.

Each day starts with a full crew pre-race briefing. Key personnel including the skipper, navigator and tactician address the major issues, for example: the weather forecast, boat set-up including rig adjustments and sail choice, and the day’s performance objectives.

Before leaving the dock, the crew run final checks on control systems, sails and the rigging. The anticipated racecourse conditions dictate the optimum settings.

Starts at the Giraglia Rolex Cup are crowded. Each crew focuses on ensuring their boat gets away cleanly, in their chosen position on the line and in perfect timing with the starting signal. The early advantage gained by a good start can be critical in determining the race outcome.

Caol Ila R is one of the larger yachts at the 2017 Giraglia Rolex Cup. Typically, her class will tackle a 30-nm course which, in the light winds characterising this year’s races, equates to around three hours of racing.

Racing is not all about tactics and manoeuvres. The crew also play a critical role in helping to ‘trim’ the yacht. On the upwind legs, when conditions demand it, the majority will hike out over the side in an effort to better balance the boat.

Sail changes are a constant consideration, demanding cooperation among several crew members and excellent communication from the back of the yacht to the front. The foredeck crew must be fit, agile, strong and ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice.

The coastal races at the Giraglia Rolex Cup are defined by a mix of inflatable buoys, navigation marks and rocks. All mark roundings are important junctures. Tactics will determine the angle of approach and proximity. For the crew, the focus is on clean, sharp manoeuvres so the turns are smooth.

A 30 nm, 3-hour race brings with it an immense physical element. The sail handling systems on a Maxi 72 are manually controlled. Grinders provide the much-needed power throughout the day.

The crew is constantly on alert for changes in the wind. Anticipating shifts in direction and strength is critical especially in the light conditions that have prevailed at this year’s Giraglia Rolex Cup.

With the fleet in pursuit, the crew of Caol Ila R focus on keeping the boat moving fast right to the finish line. Being first home on the water is not enough with the main prizes awarded for winning on handicap.

Following today’s final inshore race, the Giraglia Rolex Cup fleet will turn its attention to the start of tomorrow’s famous 241-nm offshore race to Genoa, Italy. The race has run for 65 uninterrupted years and is a cardinal fixture in the Mediterranean yachting season. Rolex has been Title Sponsor since 1998.