Southern Wind: Light wind, high spirits

Less thrilling and more focused sailing style today for all boats in the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta and Southern Wind Rendezvous & Trophy. The wind forecast was for a mild 8-10 northerly and a downwind start to the course was planned.

The Rendezvous fleet of 5 Southern Wind yachts again were first to start the 23 mile course at 11:30. 

With only a light breeze to play with it took good concentration for the helmsmen to fly the Code Zeros and hold their planned course.

The Southern Wind coordinator announced a finish line at Tango as the wind was dropping to almost nothing. Each boat crossed the line at the sound of “We are the Champions” played off the powerful speakers of the Novamarine Rib. Ammonite was first to cross, followed shortly after by No Rush. Nyumba, Agapi Mas and Sorceress finished their course closer to the entrance of the Gulf of Pevero so that everybody could then relax with a swim in the calm turquoise waters and have a pleasant lunch.

First to start in the Superyacht and Superyacht Corinthian Spirit classes, half an hour after the Rendezvous Class was Sorvind by Giorgio Armani. The 9 huge gennakers marked the horizon from afar soon after. The combined fleet managed to sail 10-11 knot speeds taking in all of the breeze and arrive at the island of Moriotto ready to start veering into the wind in view of the upwind leg after leaving the island of Soffi to starboard.

The winner today in the Superyacht Corinthian Spirit Class was Gelliceaux who now holds first place in her class. Husband and wife owners took turns at the helm and she enthusiastically said at the end of the race, “After a tricky start due to a wind shift, we managed to find a clean line to follow our plan sailing close to shore downwind, which paid off. Precise maneuvers and a good boat speed helped us to extend the lead till the finish line.” 

Second today Magic Blue, and closely behind Grande Orazio. Grillo Parlante placed fourth followed by Sorvind by Giorgio Armani closing the class.

The Superyacht Class saw RP-Nauta100 Morgana with her distinctive bright green lines placed third and Liberty Squared not far behind her closing the fleet.