In the matchless surroundings of “the best yacht club in the world” the stage is set for a classic superyachting event. The regatta village at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Sardinia) is buzzing, the yachts have assembled, and registration is under way for the third Dubois Cup.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” says Amy Galloway, captain of the 40-metre sloop Tenaz – a seasoned campaigner in previous superyacht meetings but making her first appearance at the Dubois Cup.
The Dubois Cup - a superyacht sailing regatta
The intricate coastline around Port Cervo, Sardinia, is a favourite among racing skippers, for its dramatic scenery and unpredictable wind shifts. The sound between the Maddalena islands and the Sardinian mainland has a reputation for blowing hard – although the forecast for the weekend is currently for light conditions.
The 30-metre Pendennis-built Nostromo is another Cup debutante. “We’ve hired Harold Cudmore as tactician,” says her owner, Andrew Cook. “After all, you’ve got to make an effort. I’ve brought my son along and four of his friends as extra crew. But mainly it’s a bit of fun.”
With no more than 10 knots of wind currently promised by the met men over the next two days, the racing will be a test of tactics. “These yachts get going in about eight knots of breeze,” says Malcolm McKeon of Dubois Naval Architects. “Upwind at that speed they start to generate their own wind.”
Dubois Cup 2011
A total of nine yachts have registered for the racing, with current cup-holder Ganesha expected to defend her title tenaciously. Perhaps the most eagerly-awaited contest will be between the two giant ketches. The 53-metre Drumbeat won the Rolex Transatlantic in 2005, and Twizzle, 57.5 metres overall and launched last year, is just back from competing in the Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and St Barth’s Bucket.
Richard Hollis, captain of Inmocean, the classically-styled 41-metre sloop, is taking a more relaxed view: “We haven’t brought a spinnaker – we’re treating it as a fun family event. We might even put a fishing pole out if there’s no wind!”
Dubois Cup - photo by Jeff Brown and SuperYacht Media
Three sailing superyachts have joined the event but will not race, including the 53-metre Nirvana, while Turquoise and Ad Lib, two Dubois-designed motor yachts of 44 and 55 metres, will also help ensure that the spectator fleet is as impressive as the racing.
The first race takes place on Sunday 5 June, starting off Porto Cervo at 13.00.
With one day to go before the official start of the third Dubois Cup, the atmosphere at Porto Cervo’s chic Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is building to fever pitch. An awe-inspiring line-up of Dubois-designed superyachts has been assembling throughout the day.
Dubois Cup
Sailing yachts Drumbeat and Twizzle – two giant ketches measuring over 110 metres between them – brought the fleet total to ten so far, joining Nostromo, Ganesha, Zefira and Nirvana. The well-travelled 40-metre sloop Tenaz and the classically-styled Timoneer and Inmocean had already claimed their berths on Molo C, alongside the New Zealand-built Sovereign, and late entry Imagine.
Two Dubois-designed motor yachts, the magnificent 55m Turquoise and the sleek Alloy Yachts-constructed Ad Lib, have also joined in the festivities.
Registration and final arrivals will take place on Saturday, before an evening Welcome Reception on the terrace of the YCCS.
