Rolex Capri Sailing Week
Capri, Italy

STARS COME OUT FOR CAPRI

Sir Peter Ogden, owner and helmsman of JETHOU, Photo credit: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi Racing at Rolex Capri Sailing Week, hosted by the Yacht Club Capri, starts tomorrow, Wednesday 26th May. World-class sailors from all over the world have gathered on the magical island in the Bay of Naples. The historic Italian outpost rises nearly 600 metres from the cobalt blue sea, creating a micro-climate that is a unique sailing environment with spectacular vistas.

In the Mini-Maxi Class, Andre Soriano’s Mills 68, Alegre has shown impressive form in the early part of the season. “The Alegre team has been together for a few years but we have an addition to the crew for Rolex Capri Sailing Week,” explains Andre Soriano. “After we won the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2009, Francesco de Angelis was one of the first people to congratulate us. When we asked him to come sailing in Capri, I was delighted that it worked out. He fits in very well with the team and his vast sailing experience and local knowledge is second to none.”

De Angelis is best known as Skipper of Luna Rossa for the America’s Cup and is the only Italian skipper to have won the Louis Vuitton Cup. De Angelis was born and raised in Naples and is understandably passionate about sailing in home waters.

Sir Peter Ogden returns to Capri, after coming agonisingly close to a Maxi class win in 2008. Ogden is delighted to be back with his new sleek, black Mini-Maxi, Jethou, as he explains in interview.

For the first time, a highly competitive fleet of X-41s are racing at Rolex Capri Sailing Week, including class World Champion Pier Vettor Grimani on Sidercordis, and Gianclaudio Bassetti’s WB Five, helmed by Rolex Farr 40 World Champion, Alberto Signorini.

Ambiance at Capri Island, Photo credit: Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi The Mylius fleet is also competing for the first time here in Capri. The high performance carbon fibre yachts will undoubtedly have a close battle on the water. The class includes Vincenzo De Blasio’s Phitecusa which has recently been under the watchful eye of Olympic and America’s Cup sailor, Tommaso Chieffi.

In the Comet Class, Alessandro Nespega’s Fral 2 is back to defend the class title won in 2009 and the Chairman of Comar Yachts, Massimo Guardigli, will also be racing, taking the helm of Nicola Granati’s Allure.

Tonight, the Skippers’ Briefing and Cocktail Party will take place at the 18th century Hotel Capri Palace with stunning elevated views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Noon on Wednesday, 26th May marks the start of four days racing action for all classes at the Rolex Capri Sailing Week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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