Tre Golfi Sailing Week IMA Maxi European Championship Inshore Series - Day 3
by Tre Golfi Sailing Week 21 May 19:05 BST
7-22 May 2025
It was an intense day on the water for the Maxi fleet in the penultimate act of the IMA Maxi European Championship, the last stage of the 2025 Tre Golfi Sailing Week.
The Race Committee, chaired by Stuart Childerley, launched two windward-leeward races, both regular and hard-fought, once again showcasing the performance of the Maxi 72s, who are proving to be the true stars in these technical races around the buoys.
The first race took place with a stable southwesterly breeze of 10-12 knots, increasing to 14 knots, prompting the committee to extend the course. At the finish line, Galateia, V and Magic Carpet e crossed nearly neck and neck, but the corrected times rewarded the Maxi 72s. The win went to North Star, owned by Peter Dubens, followed by Bella Mente (Hap Fauth) and Jethou (Sir Peter Ogden), with Proteus (George Sakellaris) in fourth.
"Today was a really good day: we had two windward-leeward races with 13 and 15 knots, and we won the first race, which we are very pleased with because the fleet is super tight and competitive, so winning it means a lot to us," said Gabriele Olivo, trimmer on North Star. "In the second race we finished third, which is also a great result, so overall we're very happy. We're all pretty close in the top rankings, only Bella Mente has a bit of margin.Tomorrow is the coastal race - everything will come down to that last one. Fingers crossed for us!"
In the second race, which started right after the smaller boats completed their first heat, the wind eased slightly, settling around 10 knots from the south southwest. Once again, the Maxi 72s confirmed their prowess around the marks. Victory went to Proteus, followed by Bella Mente and North Star - another display of dominance from the 72s, who continue to shine in the windward-leeward format.
"It was a really exciting day of racing", said Jonathan McKee, strategist on Proteus. "The wind was quite tricky, and the other big challenge was managing these hundred-footers. We're on a 72-footer, so trying to keep clear air and carve a good path around the course without getting too disrupted by the big boats is one of the toughest parts. In the first race we didn't quite nail it and didn't get the result we wanted, but in the second everything came together: the team worked really well, we caught a small break and managed to win. We're ready for tomorrow - it's going to be game on!".
After five races and with just the final coastal race remaining tomorrow, Bella Mente leads the provisional overall standings, with a big margin over North Star and Proteus, both climbing steadily.
In the IMA Multihull Trophy, the four catamarans competing - moored in Vico Equense thanks to the kind hospitality of the town and Mayor Giuseppe Aiello - completed their third coastal race. Another win for Gaetana, by Riccardo Pavoncelli, member of the CRV Italia, who continues to dominate the fleet, followed by Highland Fling XVIII and the Swiss entry Allegra. The final coastal race for the multihulls is also scheduled for tomorrow.
This evening, all crews are invited to the Crew Dinner Party hosted by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia and Rolex at the Le Axidie Resort in Vico Equense, where 30 Michelin starred chefs from the Sorrento Peninsula will each present their signature dish in an exclusive celebration of local culinary excellence.
Tomorrow, Thursday 22 May, the 2025 Tre Golfi Sailing Week will conclude with the final coastal race of the IMA Maxi European Championship. In the afternoon, the official prize-giving ceremony will take place at the Regatta Village in Marina Piccola, Sorrento, celebrating the champions of an unforgettable week of sailing in the heart of the Mediterranean.
The Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2025 is organised by the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia with the collaboration of the Yacht Club Italiano, Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia, IMA, ORC, FIV and UVAI, and with the valued support of Rolex Official Timepiece, Loro Piana, North Sails, Wally Yachts, Banca Patrimoni Sella & C., Ferrarelle, Ottogas, Deloitte, Italia Yachts, Le Axidie, Caffè Borbone, Schenker, Miliare, and Consorzio Prosecco DOC.