The Southern Wind Family Rendezvous flew on the Mistral Wings

Last weekend the strong Mistral winds gusting up to 37 knots were too much for the Rolex Maxi fleet in Porto Cervo but did not stop Southern Wind owners from heading out to sail, confident that their yachts could handle such challenging conditions.

And so it was that the Southern Wind Rendezvous was an incredible event, fun for all who participated and a real spectacle even for those who could only catch a glimpse of performance sailing at its best. With a starting area outside Porto Rotondo and daily courses through the breathtaking scenery of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, the yachts and crew were put through their paces under a crystal clear blue sky.  When the sailing was over, the fleet dropped anchor in the Golfo Marinella each day a swim and catered lunch generously offered by Doyle Sails.

Back on the docks at the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo after a exhilarating day on the water, owners from Canada, Australia, Germany, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK and Italy, together with their crew combined to create an atmosphere of carefree family spirit that characterises SW Rendezvous events, exchanging notes on their daily exploits and enjoying an Owners dinner at the club where all eleven participating yachts were awarded for their unique contributions to the event.

SW82 Grande Orazio made a triumphant entrance fresh off the race course from the Maxis and was joined on Sunday by Sorceress and her crew who also competed in this world-class regatta. After another great day on the water, the sunset cocktail on Sunday evening concluded a spectacular event where owners and guests were treated to pasta, prosecco and cocktails while they danced the night away under the rising full moon.

Marco Alberti, Chief Executive Officer, arrived from the shipyard in South Africa to welcome owners and to see their yachts in action. In his words: "These events are the moment in which we can see the outcome of our effort and be satisfied with what the collaboration between the shipyard and owners can achieve."

Andrea Micheli, Chief Commercial Officer, recapped the event saying: "These events combine the things we love most, sailing fast with our friends in family in the most beautiful places on earth. Most importantly, we like sailing beautiful yachts that we know are safe. The Rendezvous offers the ultimate platform to enjoy sailing together with other amazing yachts in a context where the Southern Wind family is the protagonist." 

Jeremy Peek, Deputy Commercial Manager added: "We are immensely proud of the yachts we build and it's so rewarding to see them sailing in challenging conditions. This is what they are built for. We know that when they leave Cape Town and sail out into the big blue, they are ready for whatever Mother Nature has to throw at them. We compliment the Owners, captains and crew keeping these boats looking and working so well and it is immensely pleasing to see the care and attention made by the highly skilled crew."

Our special thanks go to Ammonite, Seatius, Kiboko, Cape Arrow, Acaia, Ocean Horse, Grande Orazio, Sorceress, Freebird, Egiwave and, of course Sardinia's Mistral wind, for making this event so special. Our summer couldn't have ended in a better way and we hope to see you all again soon.