Running from September 2 to 8, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is the top event of the annual Mediterranean sailing calendar. For its 23rd edition, the organisers, including the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda as well as the International Maxi Association, expect to welcome a significant fleet of yachts all over 60 feet (18.29-metres) to Porto Cervo in Sardinia. Confirming the regatta’s permanent popularity among Maxi yacht owners were 47 yachts from 12 countries competing last year.
Sailing yacht Magic Carpet 2 leading the fleet - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Widely respected for pitting some of the finest and most technologically advanced yachts in direct competition, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup exhibits real sailing sophistication – top yachts from around the globe with the very best of sailing talent on board and famous names from the business world in attendance, set against the most spectacular sailing backdrop.
2011 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup fleet at the Porto Cervo Marina - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Previous years have seen the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup attract corporate titans such as Niklas Zennström, Larry Ellison, Leonardo Ferragamo, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones and Marco Tronchetti Provera. All keen to race alongside or against the cream of professional sailing talent such as Rolex Ambassadors Paul Cayard, the seasoned America’s Cup campaigner and round-the-world race winner, and Robert Scheidt, four-time Olympic medallist and two-time ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year.
2011 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup fleet at the YCCS - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The highly demanding competition takes place on the waters off northeastern Sardinia, and frequently uses the challenging Maddalena Archipelago for the racecourse area. Racing commences on Monday 3 September and concludes on Saturday 8 September. Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the International Maxi Association and title sponsor Rolex will ensure a first-class social programme, including the final Prize Giving Ceremony, where Maxi Yacht Rolex Cups and Rolex timepieces will be presented to the winners.
