Rolex Volcano Race - Crowning a winner

by KPMS on 28 May 2011 Rolex Volcano Race this morning saw Alegre and crew overwhelmed with excitement as they were presented with the trophy for Line Honors. The ecstatic crew received much praise, especially from Andre Soriano. Later in the day most members of the fleet were being accounted for as Alegre went on to be crowned as the overall event winner.

The fight for the second podium place that went on between DSK Pioneer Investments and Wild Joe eventually resulted in a victory for DSK Pioneer Investments.

'I must say that handling a Swan 90, as they did, in light conditions was very impressive and they beat us fair and square. This is only Wild Joe’s third offshore race and we have learnt considerably from the experience. We lost a lot of time when the wind died for us after Ponza but the crew performed well together and we are looking forward to our next event. Wild Joe will put into practice all that we have learnt.'

Massimilano Florio’s Star 60.4, Grande Orazio had a great race and was only four hours behind Alegre on corrected time to claim second place overall.

Ernesto Gismondi’s Wally 65, Edimetra VI claimed third overall and is a veteran of Maxi racing. 'Edimetra is sixteen years old but she is in fantastic condition.' Commented crewmember, Piotr Marciniak. 'All of the crew come from Trieste and we have all sailed together a lot. It would be really incredible to see more Wally Yachts coming to Capri for the race. It is a beautiful course for them.'

Rolex Capri Sailing Week, the inshore regatta, sailed in the sun soaked Bay of Naples, enjoyed some champagne racing today. Three races were sailed for all classes. In the Comet Class, Alberto Franchella’s Farewell 3, crewed by the Italian Air force, won all of today’s races to lead the class.

In the ORC division, Vincenzo De Blasio’s Scugnizza, with Paulo Cian as tactician, started the day in fine form, executing the first start with precision at the pin-end. Scugnizza continued their winning streak with three straight wins today to lead with a perfect score line.

The Swan 45 Class was a highly competitive affair with three different boats winning today’s races. The day did not start well for the overnight leader Earlybird. Henrick Brandis’ German team got caught flat-footed on the start line and could not sail back through the fleet.

Andrea Masi’s Ulika sailed well to stay out of trouble to take the first race. Earlybird got the best start in the second race and extended on the fleet to win by 29 seconds. Vittorio Ruggiero’s Talj, with Tomasso Chieffi as tactician, won the last race of the day.

Ulika leads the class going into the last day. However, only two points separate the top three boats. A nail-biting final day can be expected tomorrow, as Talj tactician, Tomasso Chieffi, a veteran of the America’s Cup explains: 'We are very happy about this regatta and the decision to start all of the classes together. Tomorrow we still have the opportunity to win. Capri is Capri and the Rolex regattas are always top events and today we have had three great races.'

Tonight marks a grand occasion at Rolex Capri Sailing Week, especially for those competitors returning from the Rolex Volcano Race, who have endured life offshore. A gala dinner will be held at Canzone del Mare, one of Capri's most elegant localities, which embodies the essence of Capri; style, glamour and devastating beauty.

With the romantic Faraglioni as a backdrop, the waterside terraces and traditional, elegant interiors will be the venue for a spectacular evening hosted by Rolex. La Canzone del Mare is an enchanting venue, it will surely be an unforgettable occasion for all participants of Rolex Capri Sailing Week.