| PORTO CERVO, ITALY-(10-9-2004) After a lay day yesterday, a steady 6 to 10 knots of breeze and flat seas greeted the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup fleet as it headed out for day four of racing off the coast of Costa Smeralda. Competitors have one more day of racing to improve their standings in the overall regatta hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which ends tomorrow. The USA’s Pyewacket, owned by Roy Disney, is on the way to winning the racing division overall, with first and second place finishes today. Argentina’s Alexia, likely to lock up the Wally division, won today’s coastal race. Mister A took first in the cruising division, the group with the closest and most varied competition. For the first time in the regatta, the racing division sailed two windward-leeward courses, while the Wally and cruising divisions sailed a coastal course of just over 18 nautical miles, past the Islands of Mortorio and Mortoriotto.
“Today, in the first race we had a bad start which resulted in a poor showing around the first mark,” noted Disney. “However, on the second leg, we were able to improve our position on the course, eventually coming in second. During the second race, we had a better start and at the end of the day, we were able to raise the level of our performance, with two strong finishes.”
As seen with Alexia, the Wally division showcases a wide specter of advanced designs which has provided for interesting racing throughout the regatta. Each owner is able to tailor his or her boat to meet their own specific tastes that can mix performance and luxury.
“This is a brand new boat and our first regatta,” noted Alberto Roemmers Jr., son of Alberto Roemmers, owner of Alexia. “Many of the crew have been sailing together for many years which has been an advantage here. Great crew work was important to our strong performance. In addition, Alexia excels in these kinds of courses which have several reaching legs.”
“This week, competitors have been tested by the challenges of light air sailing,” said Commodore Gianfranco Alberini. “Our sailors have demonstrated smart race tactics, patience and skill, key elements to competing here in Costa Smeralda. From the fastest, newest boats to the older, classic yachts, we are sharing our passion for sailing on the world’s stage.”
For Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2004 entry lists, results and other event information visit http://www.yccs.it.
Racing Division*: Pyewacket, 5 points/Wild Oats, 8 points/Genuine Risk, 11 points
Wally Division: Alexia, 6 points/ Tiketitan, 11 points/Dark Shadow/Magic Carpet, 15 points
Cruising Division: Mister A, 11 points/ Inspiration, 13 points/ Velsheda/Charis, 16 points
*Only the racing division has a discard to date.
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