The Irish contingent aboard Galateia helped steer the Wally 100 to back-to-back line honours victories in Italy’s Regata dei Tre Golfi offshore race this week.
Cork superyacht sailors Nin O’Leary, Rory Harrap, Kelvin Harrap, Simon Johnson and Aoise Doyle joined the international crew on the David Leuschen and Chris Flowers-owned maxi yacht as Galateia claimed victory in the 71st edition of the Mediterranean classic.
The race formed the offshore opener to the IMA Maxi European Championship and featured a high-profile fleet racing from Naples via Ponza, Capri and Li Galli before returning to Naples.
Galateia completed the course in 17 hours, one minute and 25 seconds after a tightly fought duel with V, owned by Czech entrepreneur Karel Komárek.
Winning Wave — The crew of Galateia, inlcuding a strong Cork contingent, celebrate after securing line honours and Maxi 1 victory in the Regata dei Tre Golfi offshore race off Naples. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
The Wally 100 also secured corrected-time victory in Maxi 1 ahead of V and Leopard 3.
Navigator Simon Fisher described the race as “challenging”, with multiple park-ups and lead changes throughout the night.
“It was another challenging race but that is always the case here,” Fisher said. “There were plenty of snakes and ladders.”
The offshore fleet now switches to inshore and coastal racing out of Sorrento as the IMA Maxi European Championship continues through next week.
Naples Panorama — Maxi yachts sweep across the Bay of Naples during the Regata dei Tre Golfi offshore race, with Galateia leading a world-class fleet in the IMA Maxi European Championship. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
