Cape 31 Mediterranean Round 2 in Puntaldia
by Tor Tomlinson Cheney 18 May 09:17 PDT
15-17 May 2026
Marcus Brennecke's Hatari delivered a sensational debut performance in Puntaldia this weekend, taking overall victory at Round 2 of the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit hosted by Marina di Puntaldia and Yacht Club Marina Puntaldia.
Fresh from the factory in Cape Town, the brand-new Cape 31 immediately proved its pace against one of the most competitive fleets on the Mediterranean circuit. Backed by an experienced team and with Nic Asher on board, Hatari adapted quickly to the conditions in Sardinia to secure an impressive first overall victory at their very first event.
After a week of Mistral winds across the region, the regatta itself delivered a full mix of Sardinian conditions. Saturday's racing was lost to strong Mistral breeze, but the fleet returned on Sunday to enjoy excellent conditions that allowed the event to conclude with a strong final day of racing.
Principal Race Officer Mattias Dahlstrom and his race management team did an excellent job throughout the weekend to maximise the racing and deliver a fair and competitive regatta despite the challenging weather interruptions.
The event also marked the Cape 31 fleet's first visit to Puntaldia, with competitors enjoying both the spectacular racing area and the warm hospitality ashore. Marina di Puntaldia and Yacht Club Marina Puntaldia delivered an outstanding shoreside set-up throughout the weekend, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for teams and guests alike.
Daily after-race aperitivo hosted by Il Marino Puntaldia and Popkore quickly became a highlight of the regatta, alongside an exceptional crew dinner on Saturday evening and the final prize-giving at the Regatta Village.
Round 1 winners Stig arrived in Sardinia leading the overall standings following their victory in Porto Cervo, while Shotgunn once again proved fast and consistent with Stu Bithell and Luke Patience on board.
Ahmet Eker's Eker Süzme secured second overall after another strong and consistent performance across the regatta, while Richard Thompson's Black Seal completed the podium in third.
A strong international entry list brought together teams from across Europe, including entries from Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Turkey, Hungary and the Isle of Man.
Hatari's victory further underlines the depth and competitiveness of the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit, where new teams are immediately capable of challenging at the front of the fleet.
"Of course we're very happy — and honestly a little unexpected," said Marcus Brennecke after racing. "I think we sailed very consistently all week. The boat was good, the crew did a great job, and I just had to stay calm and steer the boat while things fell into place.
"I've been very focused on bringing together a team where the complementary skills and personalities really work together. We've had a lot of fun, it's a really good team, and for me that's what makes the difference."
After two events, Ahmet Eker's Eker Süzme now leads the overall Mediterranean Circuit standings ahead of Michael Wilson's Shotgunn and Alessandro Rombelli's Stig, but all are on equal points - underlining just how close and competitive the 2026 season has already become.
The Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit now looks ahead to Bonifacio from 4-6 June, as the fleet continues an exciting 2026 season across some of the Mediterranean's leading sailing venues.
See official notice board for results