The 2026 IMA Maxi European Championship concluded in Sorrento on Thursday after a week of tactical racing in the Gulf of Naples.
Part of the Tre Golfi Sailing Week, the regatta brought together leading Maxi yachts for offshore, coastal and inshore races in light and shifting conditions. The event was organised by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia with the International Maxi Association, alongside Yacht Club Italiano and Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia.
In the Maxi Grand Prix and Maxi 72 division, Peter Harrison’s Jolt secured the European title after a consistent series. Northstar, owned by Peter Dubens, finished second overall, while Giovanni Lombardi Stronati’s Django 7X completed the podium.
Winning Team – Peter Harrison’s Jolt crew celebrate after securing the Maxi Grand Prix European title at the 2026 IMA Maxi European Championship during Tre Golfi Sailing Week. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Nic Asher, tactician aboard Jolt, said the final race delivered “an incredible finish” after four boats entered the day separated by a single point. “We managed to stay ahead of Jethou and Bella Mente until the finish,” Asher said. “You really couldn’t ask for more.”
In Maxi 1, V, owned by Karel Komarek, claimed the European crown ahead of Leopard 3 and Galateia.
Olympic gold medallist Sime Fantela, tactician on V, said strong teamwork proved decisive in the changing conditions. “The team executed everything perfectly, and we had an excellent start,” Fantela said. “This is our second European title in the last three years.”
Cup Glory – Crew members aboard V celebrate winning the Maxi 1 European title during the prizegiving ceremony at the 2026 IMA Maxi European Championship in Sorrento. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Maxi 3 honours went to Guido Paolo Gamucci’s Cippa Lippa X after a closely fought series against Manticore and Kallima. “We had been chasing this title for three years, and finally we managed to win it,” Gamucci said.
Fra Diavolo, owned by Vincenzo Addessi, won the combined Maxi 4 and 5 division ahead of H2O and Yoru. Addessi credited long-standing crew continuity and ongoing boat development for the success.
In the Multihull Trophy, Adrian Keller’s Allegra finished first ahead of Highland Fling XVIII and Layla.
Organisers said the championship again highlighted the Gulf of Naples as one of Europe’s leading venues for Maxi yacht racing. The Tre Golfi Sailing Week returns in 2027 from 14 to 20 May.
