Racing postponed at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

The particularly complex and unstable weather situation which has brought strong winds with squally showers, has proven a continuous challenge to the Race Committee who have been busy monitoring the evolution since the early hours of the morning, looking for a viable weather window to run the coastal race which was scheduled for all classes. 

The AP ‘racing postponed’ signal was given at 10 a.m. retaining the fleet on hold in port. After a careful monitoring of the real time winds which had dropped to below 25kts, the Race Committee lowered the AP at 1 p.m. and set two coastal courses, of 24 and 17.5 miles respectively, with the start procedure at 2 p.m. 

Just before the start of the Maxi 1 class, which is competing for the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship, a heavy rain squall greatly reduced visibility and the wind whipped up again. The Race Committee decided to suspend the race for safety reasons, deciding shortly afterwards to cancel all racing for the day due to the continued strengthening of the wind.

Unfortunately the forecast for tomorrow morning is not the best, however Principal Race Officer Stuart Childerley has informed competitors of his intention to try and get a start in the afternoon when the wind may drop.

This evening, owners and their guests are expected to attend the traditional Rolex Gala Dinner to be held in the quaint village of San Pantaleo nestled among the Gallura granite rocks typical of the area.