Mistral wind delays Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup racing until tomorrow

The fleet gathered in Porto Cervo for the 34th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the inaugural Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship stayed firmly moored in the marina today thanks to a fierce Mistral wind blowing steadily, as per the forecast, at more than 25 knots, and with gusts reaching more than 50 knots. The Race Committee informed competitors of its intention to display the flag signalling cancellation of the day's races from early morning, in order to prevent any yachts from going out to sea and facing potentially hazardous conditions.

“All the forecast models today were aligned on the wind situation,” explained Principal Race Officer Stuart Childerley, ”so it was easy to make the decision to cancel from early morning. This means that the lay day scheduled for Thursday will be used for racing. The Race Committee will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days in order to take advantage of the time windows and complete the racing programme to the fullest extent possible.” 

Forecasts suggest that the Mistral wind will persist throughout the week, though it is expected to weaken over the coming days.

At 4.45 p.m. the Race Committee confirmed its intention to start racing at 12 midday CEST tomorrow, as per the event programme. Mistral winds of 15 to 23 knots are forecast and the Maxi 2 class will aim to complete two windward-leeward races, with a coastal course set for all other classes.