Stella Maris claimed back-to-back victories in the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit after winning Round 4 in Scarlino, Italy, as the overall championship battle tightened. Hosted for the first time by Yacht Club Toscana and Marina di Scarlino, the regatta attracted a season-high fleet of 17 international teams. Eight races were completed over three days in lighter conditions than the previous round in Bonifacio.
The fleet produced seven different race winners, underlining the competitiveness of the growing owner-driver class. Race victories were shared by Hatari, Chisum, G-Spot, Stella Maris, Black Pearl, La Pericolosa and Stig.
Podium Push: Hatari returned to the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit podium with third place overall in Scarlino, strengthening its championship challenge after missing the previous round. Photo: Sailing Energy
After leading overnight, Christian Schwoerer's La Pericolosa was overtaken on the final day by the Austrian Stella Maris team, helmed by 16-year-old Austrian Optimist champion Carla Waltersdorfer in the absence of owner August Schram.
La Pericolosa finished second overall, with Marcus Brennecke's Hatari completing the podium. Championship leader Stig placed fourth, while Django rounded out the top five.
The event also welcomed several new entries to the circuit, with Terrible Joy, Chisum and Milkwave making their first appearances of the season. Chisum marked its debut by winning a race on the opening day.
Championship Chase: A 17-boat fleet battled through eight races in Scarlino as the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit title race tightened, with Stella Maris' second successive victory reshaping the overall standings. Photo: Sailing Energy
Mediterranean Class Manager Tor Tomlinson Cheney praised the quality of the racing.
"Every event this season has produced a different story, and Scarlino has been no exception. Seven different race winners across eight races says everything about the standard of competition in the Cape 31 fleet right now," he said. He also thanked Yacht Club Toscana, Marina di Scarlino and organiser Ettore Mattiello for hosting what he described as a successful new addition to the Mediterranean Circuit calendar.
With four regattas completed, Alessandro Rombelli's Stig continues to lead the overall standings. However, Michael Wilson's Shotgunn remains close behind, while Stella Maris has moved firmly into title contention ahead of the final summer event before the championship concludes in Hyères in September. Click here for full results.
