Competition remains exceptionally close after the second day of inshore racing at the IMA Maxi European Championship in Sorrento. Despite the varied sizes and styles of yachts competing under the IRC rating rule, the leaderboard remains tightly packed across multiple classes following four very different races, including an overnight leg, a coastal race around Capri and two windward-leeward contests.
Light and unstable conditions threatened racing on Tuesday, but Principal Race Officer Stuart Childerley and the race committee managed to complete both scheduled races after a delayed start.
In Maxi 1, four boats sit within a single point of each other. Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s 80ft My Song shares the overall lead with Karel Komárek’s 100ft V after another strong day on the water.
Steady Hands – Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s crew aboard My Song, which moved into a share of the Maxi 1 lead after another strong day of racing in Sorrento. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Loro Piana said his team had made gains over the winter. “We made some changes over the winter, and the boat is more balanced and works well,” he said. “In light winds, we're satisfied with the results. The technical level of the other crews is very high, so the tiniest mistake you pay for.”
Alessandro Del Bono’s Capricorno also impressed, taking victory in the second race of the day.
One of the standout performances came from Tilakkhana II, owned by Pascale Decaux and crewed by several sailors from Alexia Barrier’s round-the-world record campaign, including Dee Caffari and Annemieke Bes.
Race Pressure – Tilakkhana II competes off Sorrento after leading much of the second Maxi 1 race before being overtaken late on. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
The 100-footer led much of the second race before eventually being overtaken by V. “It was super exciting,” said Caffari. “As we did the first bear away, I said to Pascale, ‘There's no one to point at because you're in front.”
In Maxi Grand Prix, Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente won the second windward-leeward race to move within one point of overall leader North Star, owned by Peter Dubens.
Sir Peter Ogden’s Jethou also enjoyed a strong day with a race win and fourth place. “These boats — everything's so close,” Ogden said. “If you get one second ahead, you win; one second behind, you lose.”
In Maxi 3, Cippa Lippa X and Manticore continue to dominate the standings after another consistent day.
Close Quarters – Cippa Lippa X racing in Maxi 3, where tight margins continued across the fleet during the second day of inshore racing. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Meanwhile, in Maxi 4-5, Vincenzo Addessi’s Fra' Diavolo holds a four-point lead after finishing with a 1-2 scoreline.
The Multihull Trophy coastal race was won by Adrian Keller’s Allegra, which finished four and a half minutes ahead of the Gunboat 72 Layla.
Racing continues in the waters off Sorrento and the La Maddalena Archipelago through the week.
