The IMA Maxi European Championship heads into its final day in Sorrento with Irish interest high as the Gulf of Naples delivered another tactical test in light winds. Racing on Wednesday featured a coastal course stretching from Sorrento towards Mount Vesuvius before returning through the Gulf of Naples. The fleet encountered shifting breeze and pressure changes throughout the 30-nautical-mile race.
Jethou, owned by Sir Peter Ogden and featuring New Zealand tactician Brad Butterworth, claimed victory in the Maxi Grand Prix division. Jolt, owned by Peter Harrison, finished second ahead of Bella Mente, skippered by Hap Fauth, with Terry Hutchinson calling tactics.
The result moves Jethou into the overall lead ahead of Thursday’s concluding races. “Today we raced the coastal course, with light breeze but still enough wind to allow for a great day of racing,” said Butterworth. “The racecourse in the Gulf of Naples is truly outstanding, probably one of my favourites anywhere. We are very happy with our performance.”
My Song powers through the Gulf of Naples during racing at the IMA Maxi European Championship off Sorrento. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
The championship, organised by the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia alongside the International Maxi Association, has attracted many of the world’s leading maxi yachts and tacticians to Sorrento.
In Maxi 1, V, owned by Karel Komarek, secured line honours ahead of Galateia and the Italian entry Capricorno. Just two points separate first and fifth overall in the division. “It was a beautiful race and now we look forward confidently to tomorrow,” said Olympic gold medallist Sime Fantela, tactician aboard V. “We are in a good position overall, but with one or two races still to sail, everything remains wide open.”
Cippa Lippa X topped the Maxi 3 fleet after another tactical contest in fading breeze, while Fra Diavolo led Maxi 4 and 5 racing.
Fra Diavolo, which leads the Maxi 4 and 5 standings, races off Sorrento during the penultimate day of the IMA Maxi European Championship. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Race officials will decide on Thursday morning whether the championship finale will be sailed as windward-leeward racing or another coastal course, depending on conditions in the Gulf of Naples.
The regatta is supported by Rolex and Loro Piana alongside a range of international marine and luxury partners.
