Mythical Islands await Maxi fleet

Nilaya with Capri in the background during leg 2 of the 2012 Rolex Volcano Race © Kurt Arrigo / Rolex

The 2013 Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race is set to welcome an international fleet of Maxi yachts. Scheduled to take place from 16-24 May, the event marks the opening of Rolex's Mediterranean yachting calendar. Open only to yachts over 18.29 metres or 60-feet in length, the event is organized by the International Maxi Association (IMA), in collaboration with the Yacht Club Gaeta EVS and the Yacht Club Capri, and comprises three distinct segments, each with their own, individual characteristics.

Competing yachts will be divided into different classes: Mini Maxis (from 18.29m-24.08m), Maxis (from 24.09m-30.5m) and Supermaxis (upwards of 30.5m). Proceedings on the water commence on 18 May when the fleet attacks a 100-nautical mile race from Gaeta on the Italian mainland to the island of Capri. Competitors will then have time to appreciate the captivating island during two days of tactical inshore racing on 20 and 21 May. The final segment, and the most challenging, lends its name to the title of the event: a 300-nm journey around the UNESCO-protected, volcanic, Aeolian Islands, commencing on 22 May at 13:00 CEST.

Around twenty Maxis – representing eight countries – are expected to take part. Among the entrants is last year's overall winner Jethou, Sir Peter Ogden's impressive, primarily British-crewed Mini Maxi. Jethou was the third fastest boat on the water in 2012, finishing behind line honours winner Nilaya and the 30.48m German Maxi Y3K, owned by IMA President Claus-Peter Offen, which is another entrant scheduled to return for the 2013 event. Also participating will be Andres Soriano's brand new, Mills-designed Mini Maxi Alegre, set to launch at the end of April with this event scheduled as her first competitive outing. The previous Alegre, with which Soriano secured line honours and the overall win at the inaugural Rolex Volcano Race in 2011, has been entered by current owner Alex Schärer under the name Caol Ila. Spanish Maxi Plis Play, a Swan 80 that raced at the 2012 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Middle Sea Race, is another highlight of the entry list.

The 2013 Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race promises an impressive programme of activities both on and off the water, upholding a decade-long tradition of Rolex's involvement in Capri's international yachting calendar.

Event Schedule

Thursday 16 May, Gaeta
12:00 – 18:00 Registration, Measurement and Inspection

Friday 17 May, Gaeta
09:00 – 18:00 Registration, Measurement and Inspection
18:30 Briefing

Saturday 18 May, Gaeta
11:00 Opening Ceremony
15:00 Race 1 (Gaeta - Capri)

Monday 20 May, Capri
12:00 Race 2 (Inshore Race)

Tuesday 21 May, Capri
12:00 Race 3 (Inshore Race)
20:00 Rolex Dinner and Prizegiving for Races 1, 2, 3 at La Canzone del Mare

Wednesday 22 May, Capri
13:00 Race 4 Volcano Race (Capri-Aeolian Islands-Capri)

Friday 24 May, Capri
18:00 Time limit for Volcano Race
19:00 Prizegiving for Race 4

Further information on the Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race may be found at www.internationalmaxiassociation.com