In very testing conditions with large waves and up to 40kn of wind producing significant numbers of breakages and retirements, Alegre led the fleet on handicap at each of the passing marks after Stromboli, approximately a third of the way into the race. Beating boats like the SuperMaxi ICAP Leopard and the 80’ Beau Geste on handicap and staying ahead of larger Mini-Maxi competitors such as the 72’ Ran II on the water was a testament to the non-stop team effort led by inspired navigator Will Best, tactician Chris Main, and experienced Volvo crew Simon SiFi Fisher. Owner Soriano summed it up “this result shows what hard work, team spirit and supporting each other can do. We're just friends sailing together and I'm so proud.”
Even before Alegre crossed the finish line in Malta at 18:33pm Monday, testaments to the Alegre performance had arrived from competitors such as Bella Mente navigator Robert Hopkins “Just a note of admiration to the crew of Alegre from us at Bella Mente: you're sailing a great race!“.
Robert Scheidt, four-time Olympic medal winner and helm on Mini-Maxi competitor Luna Rossa, felt Alegre had sailed an almost perfect race, “they did an amazing job. They pushed the boat very well, preserved their equipment in the strong winds and when they needed to make decisions they made the right ones.”
Alegre was built by Newport yard NEB, and has enjoyed strong support from all the contributors to her success including SDK Structures, Cape CFD, Hall Spars, Harken, and North Sails. Mills Design has a number of new IRC designs between 55’ and 72’ under development intended for high profile racing in the Mediterranean.
For more information visit www.mills-design.com or www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
