Day three of the IMA Maxi European Championship brought major changes to the leaderboard as discard scores came into play following another tactical day of racing off Sorrento. The 27 maxi yachts competing in the Gulf of Naples faced coastal courses in south to south-westerly winds reaching 14 knots. Racing began after a delayed and restarted start due to a late wind shift.
The larger Maxi 1 and Maxi Grand Prix fleets sailed a 29-nautical-mile course towards Naples and Mount Vesuvius, while the smaller Maxi 3 and Maxi 4/5 fleets completed a shorter 20-mile version.
In Maxi 1, Karel Komárek’s V claimed victory after leading from the opening beat. Strategist Sime Fantela said the race was decided early. “It was all about the start and the first upwind,” Fantela said. “We had a great start at the pin. After that, it was basically kind of ‘defend the lead’.”
Power Play – Maxi 1 contender V powers through the Gulf of Naples after taking victory to move into the overall championship lead at Sorrento. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
V now tops the Maxi 1 standings by two points from Galateia, with Capricorno a further point behind heading into the final day.
Sir Peter Ogden’s Jethou continued its strong run in the Maxi Grand Prix division, taking another race win ahead of Jolt. “We were really powerful off the start and got going in a great position,” Ogden said. “It was one of those days where there were no holes on the race course.”
The Gulf of Naples delivered steadier conditions than earlier in the week, allowing the faster yachts to sail closer to their IRC ratings without major wind shutdowns.
In Maxi 3, Cippa Lippa X continued its dominance with a third race win of the championship. The Mylius 60 now leads overall ahead of Manticore and Kallima. “The race was long… but it was good,” said owner Guido Paolo Gamucci. “We managed all the issues with the big boats passing by us.”
Bow Charge – Fra’ Diavolo presses hard along the Sorrento racecourse after extending its advantage in the Maxi 4/5 standings at the IMA Maxi Europeans. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Fra’ Diavolo strengthened its hold on the Maxi 4/5 division with another race victory, although Why Not impressed with a strong second-place finish.
The final day of the IMA Maxi European Championship takes place on Thursday, with organisers expecting another light but raceable breeze in the Gulf of Naples.
