Well known for its close competition as well as changing wind conditions, this year’s edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, held in Sardinia‘s Porto Cervo, could be described as one of the leading events in the yachting world.
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2012 Photo by Rolex Carlo Borlenghi
Inaugurated in 1980 and the jewel in Rolex’s international yachting portfolio since 1985, the event, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and the International Maxi Association (IMA), attracted 34 international Maxi yachts – measuring upwards of 18.29 meters (60 feet) for a week of top quality racing.
Hall Spars equipped yachts claimed victory in three of the five Divisions:
Bella Mente (USA) Wins Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship
Hap Fauth’s JV72 sailing yacht Bella Mente dominated an evolving and competitive Mini Maxi fleet, claiming victory in the third running of the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship.
Sailing yacht Bella Mente Photo credit: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Hall Spars Sweep the Supermaxi Class
Filip Balcaen’s Baltic 34m superyacht Nilaya made short work of the Supermaxi class – the division for the week’s largest yachts. Nilaya, the only Supermaxi equipped with racing sails, took advantage of being able to perform tight maneuvers much quicker than her rivals, thanks also to teamwork honed by a crew that has been together for over a decade. Further congratulations to more Hall Spars clients rounding out the top three: Wally 45m luxury yacht Saudade in second place and Farr 35m charter yacht Sojana claiming third.
Superyacht Nilaya - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Four Bullets for Aegir
In the Maxi Racing/Cruising Class, open to yachts dually designed to sail at speed and with comfort, Hall Spars-equipped sailing yacht Aegir, a Rodgers Carbon Ocean 82, claimed victory. Owner Brian Benjamin adds this victory to the class title earned in 2010, with four first-place race finishes in this year’s Maxi R/C roundup.
Aegir superyacht - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Hall Spars’ Eric Hall and Andea Merani Join the Open Season and Inti Teams
Thomas Bscher’s 28,60m yacht Open Season (GBR) claimed a strong second place finish in the Wally Division, Group 1, with assistance from Hall Spars’ founder and president Eric Hall on crew. Wally 80 yacht Inti, skippered by Hall Spars’ Andrea Merani, took a second place finish in the Wally Division, Group 2.
