The second edition of Portofino Rolex Trophy, the regatta that is dedicated by Rolex and the Yacht Club Italiano to classic yachts that form part of the rich history of sailing. The regatta is by invitation only, for wooden yachts in the J-, 12- and 8- metre classes. In addition to the yachts in the water, there will be an exhibition ashore of some wooden one-design and former Olympic class boats.
The regatta will take place in the waters of the Marconi Gulf on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of May 2010.
Elsinore at Portofino in 2009 - Photo Credit to Carlo Borlenghi
The J Class in Portofino
During the Portofino Rolex Trophy it will be possible to view two beautiful classic sailing yachts, the J Class Astra and Cambria, which history takes her back to the most antique and fascinating race of all times, the America’s Cup.
In fact, it happened aboard of this magnificent yacht, at the beginning of the last century, that the most important american aristocracy, such as the bankers Vanderbilt and Morgan and the english entrepreneurs Lipton and Sopwith, fought for the most desired of Cups.
Astra is one of the last J Class yachts that reached Italy. Today, there are only five examples of such sailing yachts. She is 34.85 metres in length over all, with a total sail surface area of 670 m², constructed by Cantieri Navali Camper & Nicholson and finally launched in 1928.
Cambria, also launched in 1928, is 40 metres in length overall and has a total sail surface area of 760 m².
Fierce opponents in waters during the 1930’s, Astra and Cambria return to waters 80 years later at Portofino to measure their strengths.
Cintra in Portofino in 2009 - Photo Credit to Carlo Borlenghi
The 12 metre I.R., the 8 metre I.R. and other vessels present at the regatta
The Portofino Rolex Trophy will give the spectators and competitors an opportunity to view other historic 12 metre I.R.s, these will include some of the yachts that were also competing for the American Cup after the war.
The yachts taking place in the regatta will be Varuna of Luigi Donna, constructed in 1909 and now refitted and returned to her original splendor. Federico Cuomo‘s La Spina, which is the fists 12 metre I.R. built in Italy and commissioned to Cantieri Beglietto in 1928 by Marchese Franco Spinola. And also Emilia, the second 12 metre I.R. built in Italy.
Among the 8 metre I.R. yachts the presents of the Bona, Margaret and Bamba is also confirmed, only to mention a few.
The only 6 metre I.R. yachts participating at the second edition of the Portofino Rolex Trophy will be Luigi Pavese’s Valentina and Giuseppe e Filippo La Scala’s Bau Bau. Other then a small fleet of 5.50 I.R sailing yachts, there will be also a few Dragons present at the regatta, which will confront each other in a battle for the Alberti Cup.
Varuna in Portofino 2009 - Photo credit to Carlo Borlenghi
John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Drift Boat Wianno
For the first time in Italy, John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Yacht will be exposed at the Portofino Rolex Trophy this year. Other than the yachts that will race during these three days, the Portofino Square will also host an exhibition of other historical sailing yachts entirely made of wood. One of these is the famous Wianno drift boat, which is know to be J. F. Kennedy’s favourite boat, which he receives from his parents as a gift for his 15th birthday. Amongst others, Portofino Rolex Trophy will also exhibit the oldest drift boat in the world, built in 1860 originating from Thames.
International Sailing Federation will also be present at the Portofino Rolex Trophy to follow the regattas, with a presents of the President Göran Petersson and Vice-presidents David Irish, Eric Tulla e Alberto Predieri, confirmed.
Varuna, Cintra and Emilia in Portofino 2009 - Photo Credit to Carlo Borlenghi
The Portofino Rolex Trophy Programme
After the ‘welcome cocktail’, that will take place the evening of Thursday 13th May 2010, the fleet will face each other in three day regattas on Friday 14th , Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May 2010. The participants will meet every day in the morning on the terrace of the Yacht Club Italiano to hear a brief weather forecast and analyze the forthcoming day.
The Rolex Crew Party will take place on evening of Friday 14th May at the wharf the Portofino port. On the 15th May a Rolex Dinner Party dedicated to the amateurs and crew, will be held at L’Abbazia della Cervara.
The Prize-giving will take place Sunday 10th May 2010 in Portofino.
Orion at Portofino Rolex Trophy in 2009 - Photo Credit to Carlo Borlenghi
CharterWorld has many yachts available for charter around Italy and its beautiful coasts, please do contact us for more information.
