Excellence has always been associated with the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. For more than 40 years, this illustrious regatta has been one of the highlights of the international sailing calendar.

Strong foundations for an event with an influential role in the development of sailing were forged from the outset by the vision of long-term partners Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and Rolex, this year celebrating the 40th anniversary of their close cooperation.

Rolex Testimonee Paul Cayard, the legendary sailor from the United States and a past competitor at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, identifies why the event continues to appeal: “From the nautical environment to the race organization, through to the off-the-water programme, everything about the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is first-class. I first competed at the event in 1985 and it has developed over time to offer a varied and compelling mix of racing. The successful and longstanding collaboration between Rolex as Title Sponsor, and YCCS as event organizer has made this possible.”

The 34th edition of the event will take place from 8-14 September. Over the course of five days of racing, the skill, precision and teamwork of highly prepared professional crews will be put to the test. In recent years, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup has regularly drawn a fleet of some 40 yachts measuring from 18.29 metres (60 feet) to more than 40 metres (131 feet) in length that includes some of the world’s most impressive boats. This year, a select group of powerful craft from 24.4m (80ft) to 30.5m (100ft) exhibiting the highest rating performance will contest the first ever Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship title, adding to the already high-pressure atmosphere.

Each year, several new launches – striking interpretations of the latest thinking in Maxi yacht design and construction – make their regatta debut. Intense competition on testing courses provides an exacting proving ground. The most iconic Maxi yachts of their respective eras can pay testament to this, from Boomerang and Kialoa IV in the 1980s, to Morning Glory and Sayonara in the 1990s, and the various iterations of Alfa Romeo, Magic Carpet, Highland Fling and Rambler since the turn of the century.

A core factor in the popularity of the event is its exemplary race management, as YCCS Secretary General Edoardo Recchi explains: “Together with our partners Rolex and the International Maxi Association, the objective is to provide competitors the perfect platform to perform. Classes are carefully determined according to a yacht’s size, rating performance and other characteristics, while courses are chosen to suit the prevailing conditions each day. We strive to ensure that racing is exciting and guarantees the world-class competition expected after so many years.”

Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago provides a captivating setting. Its turquoise waters and rocky outcrops are world renowned. Equally attractive are the quality and diversity of the sailing conditions. From the strength of the breeze to the state of the sea, challenging racing is assured, and no two days are the same. The evocatively named Bomb Alley that weaves between mainland Sardinia and the islands is one of the most revered locations in the sport.

As Rolex Testimonee and four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie explains, there are few places to sail like the Costa Smeralda: “The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is inspiring. Undisputedly, it is one of the world’s great sailing destinations, uniting stunning scenery and challenging, technical race courses. Conditions are consistently excellent, and the organizers always guarantee fair and competitive racing.”

The competition programme features both windward/leeward and coastal courses. Every juncture of racing is crucial. A clean start is essential, mark roundings require flawless execution, and plotting the optimum course is critical. In such a high-stake setting, effective communication is fundamental, boat handling must be perfect, and each crew member must have an intrinsic understanding of their role. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup demands tactical dexterity, navigational foresight and exceptional crew work.

Success is highly coveted. It signifies having overcome relentless and motivated competition in a superlative sailing venue. At the final prize-giving on Piazza Azzurra, in front of the YCCS’s magnificent clubhouse, the winners’ achievements are justly rewarded with engraved Rolex timepieces and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup trophies.

by Quinag