tHE biggEst AND MOst bEAUtiFUL sUPERYACHts RACE FOR bRAggiNg RigHts At tHE LORO PiANA sUPERYACHt REgAttA

TEXT by SUZY RAYMENT PHOTOGRAPHy by CARLO BORLENGHI, MARK SIMS, RICK TOMLINSON AND GUIDO TROMBETTA

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AMC2007/ViCent BosCh

AMC2007/CArlo Borlenghi

When it comes to racing superyachts, there really is nothing to top the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, in collaboration with Boat International Media. Sponsored by the Italian luxury clothing brand Loro Piana, the event attracts the largest and most beautiful superyachts in the world and has become the must-do event for these sea-going Grande Dames. Now in its fourth year, the Regatta welcomed 27 competing yachts in Performance and Cruising Divisions, as well as a special class for the Wally Fleet. A number of newcomers to the event included Twizzle (57.5m and the largest yacht in the fleet), Marie (54.6m), Sefira (49.7m) and Thalima (33.6m) the flagship for Southern Wind Yachts. The strong Wally contingent was also competing in the Performance Division, including Indio, Magic Carpet 2 and Y3K. The first day of racing took the boats on a 30nm course through and among the granite islands and islets of the enchanting La Maddalena archipelago, on the north-east coast of Sardinia. Both fleets started in 8-10kts of breeze which steadily built to 15kts towards the top of the course. At Barrettinelli di Fuori island the wind was gusting 25kts on the homeward run through Bomb Alley. Ganesha, the 2010 Regatta winner, took top honours in the Cruising Class, Highland Fling XI led the Performance Category,

and Y3K headed up the Wally fleet. Claus-Peter Offen, owner of Y3K, enthused about racing in Porto Cervo. It is as good as it gets, racing against a good number of competitive boats, and the tricky winds make the racing exciting. For some it was a bit too exciting at times especially in the Performance Division, when the whole fleet converged on the first windward mark together. Four protest flags flew from four different yachts, and the International Jury was tasked with deciding what, if any, penalties were to apply to some near-miss incidents. But as Offen commented, its a sign of good close racing! Winds gusting over 35kts stopped play on the second day of the Regatta, and the skippers and crews were able to relax and recharge their batteries in the Piazza Azzurra, where they enjoyed refreshments sponsored by Pantaenius, and aperitifs on the YCCS pool terrace hosted by Hamilton Island Race Week. Of course, everyone was raring to go on Day 3, and Porto Cervo obliged by providing the top-drawer perfect racing conditions for which it is famous: sunshine, blue skies and a brisk westerly breeze of 18-20kts. Both divisions sailed a course that took them south around the islands of Mortorio and Soffi, before heading north to Monaci island where the two fleets parted company. The cruising yachts headed for a finish at the Gulf of

PREVIOUS PAGE: the fleet moored outside the Yacht Club Costa smeralda OPPOSITE: the racing was highly competitive amongst the 27 competitors AbOVE: Fantastic racing in the la Maddalena Archipelago

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Pevero, and the Performance Division rounded the southern tip of the island of Caprera before heading home via the strait between the mainland and the Isole delle Bisce. Highland Fling, which had veteran US sailing rock stars Mike Toppa and Peter Holmberg on board, took line honours in the Performance Class, with Indio claiming victory on corrected time. Cruising Class was won by Kora 5, a 27.7m Swan, who was now just one point behind the class leader, Unfurled. Sadly, once again very strong winds on the final day of the event caused the racing to be cancelled. Principal Race Officer Peter Craig was disappointed not to be able to stage a final race for the 27 boats, but it would have been a tough and dangerous day on the Costa Smeralda. We were seeing all the forecast models predicting 30kts, and more in the afternoon, he said. The final results saw the ultra-light planing hull of Lord Laidlaws Highland Fling XI, a Reichel-Pugh 82 which had scored two first places during the week of strong winds, win convincingly ahead of Andrea Recordatis Wally 101 Indio, with Pier Luigi Loro Pianas My Song in third place overall. In addition to winning the Performance Division, Highland Flings corrected time calculations under IRC across all races in

both divisions gave Lord Laidlaw the Loro Piana Prize Overall - the Silver Jubilee Cup by Boat International Media. Highland Fling won further awards for the top classified YCCS member, and the top classified member of the International Maxi Association. Lord Laidlaw said his greatest pleasure of the week was sailing with a great team who just didnt make a mistake, and being part of that team. People are working hard all the time, and it all goes so smoothly. I love coming to Porto Cervo, we have a home here. Weve been coming since 1982 and will continue coming here until I kick up the soil. I love the weather and I love the wind. Unfurleds 1st and 2nd places from previous days earned her the victory in the Cruising Division by just 1 point ahead of Kora 5 of Portofino, with Hasso Plattners Baltic 147 Visione in 3rd overall. Harry Macklowe said, Boat International and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda run a wonderful Regatta, the weather is beautiful and the boats are gorgeous. Thank you, thank you, for a wonderful time. Macklowe received a bespoke Chihuly glass artwork, specially commissioned for the Regatta, for his 1st place finish in the Cruising Division. Other prizes went to Southern Winds 33.6 metre flagship yacht Thalima as the best classified Southern Wind yacht, and

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE: superyachts on parade; indio and island Fling on the beat; overview of superyacht action

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CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE TOP LEFT: Master classes run by chef enrico Cerea provide the off-thewater entertainment; the famous beach party at hotel romazzino; the crew party at the Piazzetta, Porto Cervo Marina; the silver Jubilee Cup; prizegiving; for best Fitzroy yacht; the fleet gets ready to start racing; prizegiving in the Piazzetta; overall winner lord laidlaws island Fling

The racing was great, as were the socials, and the collaboration with Loro Piana and Boat International Media is a winning one, as shown by this spectacular fleet.

to Salvatore Trifiros 50m Zefira as the best classified vessel from the Fitzroy Yachts shipyard. Ed Bosarges spectacular 56m ketch, Marie, was presented with a beautifully framed, hand-crafted light chart of the Bonifacio Strait by Latitude Kinsale for best representing the Spirit of the Regatta. In racing trim, the yacht sails with a grand piano below decks (sometimes played during races!), a full suit of armour, and a cannon which is fired every time Marie goes to sea. As well as four days of thrilling action on the water, guests enjoyed a glamorous social programme, which included the deservedly famous Beach Party at the exclusive Hotel Romazzino, and the Loro Piana Owners Dinner, where the menu was specially prepared for the occasion by the chefs of the 3-Michelinstarred restaurant Da Vittoria. Another treat for the owners was a performance by the world-famous tenor Peiro Mazzocchetti

and acclaimed flautist Andrea Griminelli. Crews were equally well looked after, and enjoyed a party thrown by Sardinia Yacht Services at the Piazzetta, Porto Cervo Marina. YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo was understandably proud of the events success: Despite difficult weather conditions, this has been a great event. The racing was great, as were the socials, and the collaboration with Loro Piana and Boat International Media is a winning one, as shown by this spectacular fleet. I have never seen such a fleet of superyachts gathered together in the Mediterranean before. The new rules, which ISAF has allowed us to apply, regarding safety measures for racing superyachts, are a step forward. I know organisers and participants alike are already looking forward to the 2012 edition, which will take place in early June next year. I look forward to seeing you all here again.

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