Stella Maris Goes Back-to-Back as Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit Delivers Thriller in Scarlino
by Tor Tomlinson Cheney 14 Jul 07:41 BST
10-12 July 2026
Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit in Scarlino © Sailing Energy
The Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit produced another unforgettable weekend in Scarlino as 17 international teams battled through three days of spectacular racing, with Stella Maris claiming their second consecutive event victory and the overall championship becoming closer than ever.
Hosted for the first time by Yacht Club Toscana and Marina di Scarlino, Round 4 welcomed the largest fleet of the Mediterranean season so far and once again demonstrated why the Cape 31 class continues to attract some of Europe's most competitive owner-driver teams.
Despite lighter conditions than Bonifacio, Scarlino delivered exceptional racing throughout the weekend. Principal Race Officer Carlo Tosi and the race management team completed eight races across the three days, with seven different race winners highlighting the extraordinary depth of talent throughout the fleet.
Race victories were shared by Hatari, Chisum, G-Spot, Stella Maris, Black Pearl, La Pericolosa and Stig, leaving the overall standings wide open until the final day.
After leading overnight following Day 1, Christian Schwoerer's La Pericolosa looked well placed to secure victory, but a consistent final day from the Austrian Stella Maris team saw them overhaul the fleet to secure back-to-back Mediterranean Circuit victories following their success in Bonifacio.
With owner August Schram unavailable, the team was helmed by 16-year-old Austrian Optimist Champion Carla Waltersdorfer, who delivered another composed performance under pressure to guide Stella Maris to an impressive overall victory.
La Pericolosa finished second overall, while Marcus Brennecke's Hatari returned to the podium in third after missing Round 3 in Bonifacio. Championship leaders Stig finished fourth, with Django completing the top five.
The regatta also showcased the continued growth of the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit, with Terrible Joy, Chisum and Milkwave all making their first appearances of the season. Chisum wasted no time announcing themselves to the fleet, claiming an impressive race victory on their very first day of Cape 31 racing.
Off the water, Scarlino proved an outstanding addition to the Mediterranean Circuit calendar. Competitors were warmly welcomed by Ettore Mattiello, Yacht Club Toscana and Marina di Scarlino, whose hospitality, organisation and spectacular venue quickly made the event a favourite among owners and crews alike.
Tor Tomlinson Cheney, Mediterranean Class Manager, said:
"Every event this season has produced a different story, and Scarlino has been no exception. Seven different race winners across eight races says everything about the standard of competition in the Cape 31 fleet right now. It's been brilliant to welcome new teams, see young talent Carla Waltersdorfer shine, and watch the championship tighten even further.
"A huge thank you to Ettore Mattiello, Yacht Club Toscana and everyone involved in delivering such a fantastic event. The hospitality has been outstanding, and Scarlino has quickly established itself as a fantastic addition to the Mediterranean Circuit calendar."
The result also reshapes the overall championship picture. Alessandro Rombelli's Stig retains the overall lead after four events, but Michael Wilson's Shotgunn remains within touching distance, while Stella Maris' second consecutive victory moves the Austrian team firmly into title contention heading into the final event of the summer before the circuit concludes in Hyères this September.
Thank you to Henri-Lloyd and North Sails for their continued support of the class.
With four regattas complete, the 2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit remains impossible to predict—exactly the hallmark of a thriving one-design class.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Bow No | Boat Name | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 65 | Stella Maris | 4 | 2 | 5 | ‑8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
| 2 | 56 | La Pericolosa | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 4 | ‑11 | 9 | 26 |
| 3 | 83 | Hatari | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 5 | ‑12 | 5 | 29 |
| 4 | 76 | Stig | ‑10 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 34 |
| 5 | 82 | Django | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | ‑12 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 41 |
| 6 | 80 | Kalantis | ‑12 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 69 | Black Seal 2 | 2 | 7 | ‑15 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 47 |
| 8 | 59 | GSpot | (DSP) | 14 | 1 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 15 | 54 |
| 9 | 35 | Shotgunn | 11 | ‑12 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 4 | 12 | 56 |
| 10 | 58 | Chisum | 13 | 1 | DSP | ‑16 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 60 |
| 11 | 33 | Terrible Joy | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 6 | ‑16 | 10 | 14 | 66 |
| 12 | 77 | Firstings | 6 | 15 | ‑17 | 12 | 16 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 75 |
| 13 | 50 | Eker Süzme | 9 | 10 | 14 | 9 | 13 | (DSP) | 13 | 8 | 76 |
| 14 | 67 | K‑Force jr | 14 | 13 | 4 | 11 | 10 | 15 | ‑17 | 10 | 77 |
| 15 | 42 | Black Pearl | 15 | 11 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 1 | 15 | ‑17 | 87 |
| 16 | 63 | Black Battalion | ‑16 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 15 | RDG | 14 | 7 | 93.8 |
| 17 | 78 | Milkwave | 7 | RET | 11 | 17 | (DSP) | 14 | 16 | 16 | 99 |