35th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda - Day 5

AP over A signal flying on the YCCS terrace © YCCS / Daniele Macis

The Mistral dominated once again in Porto Cervo today, blowing with such force that it led to the cancellation of racing at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

A coastal course had been scheduled for all classes in the more sheltered area around the islands of Mortorio and Soffi and the Race Committee had brought the start forward to 11 a.m. to take advantage of the weather window before the forecast strengthening of the Mistral.

The full fleet headed out to the course to await the start, but the wind conditions, averaging 22-24 knots and rising by 11.30 a.m. to 27-28 knots with gusts of over 30 knots, prompted the Race Committee to send the fleet back to port with the intention of resuming racing in the afternoon. By 1 p.m., however, it was clear that conditions would not improve and the AP over A signal was hoisted on the YCCS flagpole, indicating that the day's racing had been cancelled.

Racing will resume tomorrow, Saturday 13 September, the final day of the event, at 11 a.m. The Maxi 1 and Grand Prix classes will complete windward-leeward races for their respective world championships, while all other classes will race on a coastal course. Forecasts indicate 10 to 15 knots of Mistral.

The prize-giving ceremony will take place in Piazza Azzurra at the conclusion of racing.

Follow racing live on the tracking system here. Live images from the race course are also posted on the YCCS Instagram account.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, now in its 35th edition, is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda with the support of the International Maxi Association and title sponsor Rolex.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Rolex's partnership with the regatta, which began in 1985.

For further information, results, entry list, live tracking, the programme, the news and the photo gallery please visit the YCCS website.