Bill Psaltis on Sardinia

by Media Services on 13 Sep 2005 With 25th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Sardinia just over, CYCA Past Commodore, Bill Psaltis, reflects on his role assisting to establish the first event in 1980 and encourages others to visit Sardinia.

‘The then President of YCCS, H.H. The Aga Khan, offered me a role to help promote a special maxi event in the waters off Costa Smeralda.

‘At the time, plans were afoot to have a maxi championship on the Solent. Contact was made with Baron Rothschild (Gitana), Huey Long (Ondine) and Jim Kilroy (Kialoa), who together with many other maxi owners, quickly responded to the Aga Khan’s invitation to bring their yachts to Porto Cervo for a week of sailing and socialising in the beautiful clear waters at the north of Sardinia,’ he said

‘I pay tribute to the administrative and social skills of Commandante Gian Franco Alberini, an ex Italian Naval Officer, who has successfully controlled the championship for a quarter of a century,’ Bill added.

Bill and his wife Margaret have just returned from a nostalgic trip to Porto Cervo. The two elder sailors spent the last week sailing a Beneteau 47.3 through those pristine, clear waters, that at this time of the year, features a huge array of giant motor and sail yachts along its sheltered coastline.

Bill reported, ‘our sail boat was provided by Boomerang Yacht Charter, based in the lovely marina of Portisco, which is only minutes away from the international Olbia airport.

‘Boomerang has an Australian connection, as the owner, Sergio Contu, started sailing on my 47 foot aluminium Frers designed Sartori, an ex English Admiral’s Cup champion Noryema, when she was campaigned throughout the Med.

‘Sergio went on to sail on various maxis and is now coming to Australia to race in the 2005 Sydney to Hobart. While in Australia, he will visit various capitals to promote his yacht ch
arter service.

‘He will also assist Trevor Joyce of Mariner Boating, who in September next year, is chartering the fleet of 15 Boomerang yachts for an Australian yachting safari, from Portisco through the sheltered waters of Cost Smeralda to Bonifacio in Corsica. On the way back, the group will visit the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, towards the end of the 2006 Sardinia Cup.’

Bill and Margaret, parents of CYCA ocean racing champion, Ed Psaltis, have been sailing together for over 50 years and are enthused about the facilities in the ports to be visited and the quality of the food and wine.

For those interested in taking part in Mariner Boating's trip to Sardinia: www.marinerboating.com.au or call Mariner Boating Holidays on Sydney 99661244.