Rolex Capri Sailing Week - international fleet

by Jill Campbell and Vincenzo Frigo on 4 May 2007
The 2007 edition of the Rolex Capri Sailing Week (15 – 19 May) is set to be the most spectacular to date as a record fleet of Farr 40, Swan 45, Mini Maxi and Comet craft gather at the islands Marina Grande for four days of racing off the Gulf of Naples.

Fifty five racing yachts representing fourteen nations are already enrolled for this third edition of the regatta, organized by the Yacht Club Capri in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which is now a firm fixture on the Mediterranean racing calendar.

In the Farr 40 division, which boasts 19 competing one designs representing nine different nations, all eyes will be on 2006 Farr 40 World Champion Vincenzo Onorato (ITA) with his Mascalzone Latino. The Neapolitan owner, who also took victory in the Farr 40 division at the Rolex Capri Sailing Week 2006, will need to be on top form to see off competitors such as two-time Farr 40 World Champion Jim Richardson (USA) with his Barking Mad and Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban (AUS), runner up at the 2006 World Championship.

The 15 strong Swan 45 division sees Danilo Salsi’s DSK (ITA) enrolled alongside Leonardo Ferragamo’s Cuordileone (ITA), winners of the 2005 and 2006 editions respectively. Salsi’s team will be expected to perform well following convincing victories at the Rolex swan Cup and the Rolex Sydney-Hobart. The Swan 45 division also sees Japan’s Yasha, owned by Yukihiro Ishida, competing for the first time in the Capri event.

Fourteen representatives of the Comar shipyard covering the Comet 41S, 45S and 51S models, are also enrolled. This all-Italian fleet will be looking to take the title from last year’s winner, Guido Morisco’s Nur (ITA), while Andromeda, winner of the 2005 edition and owned by Comar CEO Massimo Guardigli together with Lino Roncone, will be another one to watch.

The Mini Maxi division, comprised of boats with an LOA of 18 to 23.9 metres in accordance with International Maxi Association rules, sees seven competitors and includes all three of last year’s top finishers: Giorgio Ruffo’s Aleph (ITA), Massimo Violati’s Ops 5 (ITA), and Antonello Morina’s Sei Tu II (ITA).

Competition is sure to be fierce with the regatta constituting an official leg of the 2007 Farr 40 European Circuit, the Swan 45 World & Mediterranean Circuits, and the IMA Mini Maxi Division Circuit. Back on dry land, racing will be complemented by a series of social events organized by the Yacht Clubs and the title sponsor Rolex, in various locations across the island.

'We are delighted, in this our fortieth anniversary year, to renew our collaboration with the Yacht Club Capri in the organization of this rapidly evolving event which marks the beginning of the Mediterranean sailing season.' declared Gianfranco Alberini, Commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. 'With a record fleet and a record number of International entries we are certain to see some great sailing during the week.'

'This week will see us united in a celebration of friendship and sporting values set against the stunning backdrop of Capri, whose unique atmosphere lends magic to all of the sailing events held in the Gulf of Naples', commented Massimo Massaccesi, President of the Yacht Club Capri.

For further information please visit www.yccs.it or www.regattanews.com.