PRESENTATION
Testo italiano

Porto Cervo, 4th September 1999

PORTO CERVO PREPARES FOR MAXI ARRIVAL

As the classic fleet of veteran boats leaves Porto Cervo for Monaco, the town is preparing itself for an event greater spectacle, the main event of the year, the third edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, which incorporates the 1999 ILC Maxi Championship. With the world's best sailors competing in yachts up to 170ft long amongst the islands of La Maddalena, the regatta provides an incredible spectacle that has yet to be equalled.

The event is run by the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, who also administrate the Maxi Owners Association, ICAYA. "The arrival of the Maxis here is one of the great highlights of the year", commented Gianfranco Alberini, Commodore of the YCCS. "With so many well known skippers and crew aboard the yachts, we are expecting some exciting racing and a close fought competition". As in 1997, the fleet gathering in the old port comprises of both innovative and modern racing yachts such as the new Sagamore and Boomerang along with the luxurious and stylish cruiser-racers such as Nariida (ex-Wallygator), skippered by Knut Frostad and his Norwegian Whitbread crew and Ulysses, the Swan 60 owned by Mr Bruno Tronchetti Provera.

In strong contrast to the newer boats, the more classic superyachts of the One Hundred Division such as the 51m Adela, owned by George Lindemann, and 41m Alejandra make the fleet one of the most impressive seen in European waters. "The competition amongst the ILC Maxis is going to be intense" commented Lorenzo Bortolotti, one of the afterguard on American Jim Dolan's Sagamore. "We all see the strongest challenge coming from Sayonara.

They are always fast in most conditions and that will be the boat to beat. Our best chance will be in light to medium airs, as Sagamore is very narrow and that will give us our best performance. Whatever happens, Porto Cervo is one of the best places to race Maxis, so we are bound to have a fantastic regatta". The event is complemented by a unique and varied social programme, including pool side parties and prestigious dinners in some of the most glamourous locations that this stylish town has to offer.

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