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NEWSDates for 2011 Regatta Confirmed23 June 2010 Following the resounding success of the third annual Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta organised by Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda we are delighted to announce the dates for the next edition of the event will be 7 – 11 June 2011. Many of the owners who participated in this year’s event have already expressed their interest in attending in 2011 and we look forward to welcoming a diverse fleet of the world’s finest sailing yachts to Porto Cervo next June, with the continued support of our title sponsor, Loro Piana. “We want to come back next year. It is really one of the great regattas for the bigger boats.” The full 2010 event video is now online Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda would like to thank all our generous sponsors who have helped to make this year’s regatta such a memorable event: First and foremost our Title Sponsor Loro Piana, whose continued support is an essential factor in making this the must-attend superyacht event of the season. We are thrilled that our Gold Sponsor and long time collaborator Fitzroy Yachts, has committed to the event for the next three years and will continue its involvement with the Regatta as Gold Sponsor in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Thanks also go to our returning Silver Sponsors, Alloy Yachts, Future Fibres and Lufthansa Private Jet, as well as Oyster Marine, Perini Navi, Camper and Nicholsons International and Southern Wind Shipyard, who were represented by an impressive fleet of nine yachts at this year’s regatta. Our Contributing Sponsors were a vital part of the success of the event and included Feadship, Maxi Dolphin, Sardinia Yacht Services, Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu, Chihuly, I-Spirit, North Sails and Pantaenius. Special recognition should go to Sardinia Yacht Services for their organisation of a truly Sardinian evening of entertainment for all crew of the regatta. Thanks also go to friend of the regatta Claasen Jachtbouw BV. We look forward to seeing everyone in Porto Cervo next year! For more information on the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, please visitwww.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com or contact: Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor 12 June 2010 Conditions came good off Porto Cervo for the final day of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. The performance class was first away with the Italian 30.5m Wally Indioleading the charge up into bomb alley with the smaller but more thoroughbred racer, Highland Fling, pulling up through the fleet. The cruising class then set sail at one minute intervals with the highest rated boat, the Wally 148 Saudade first away. During the race competitors saw the whole range of conditions from the start in light to moderate winds, while at the northwesterly turning mark of the course, deep into ‘bomb alley’, the wind was gusting into the 20s – challenging conditions for the crews as they hoisted their spinnakers. Unfortunately back to the south of Porto Cervo the sea breeze was attempting to fill in with the net result that the wind disappeared. First to arrive was the Performance Class who were left wallowing within sight of the line for 30 minutes as the Cruising Class caught up and joined them in the park up. It was only the latter end of the Cruising Class that were able to bring down the new wind, with Unfurled and Gliss allowing their momentum to take them to the line with Saudade squeezing through just ahead of them. Among the boats charging towards the line in the wind was the 39m Fitzroy Yachts-built Ed Dubois-designed Ganesha, which scored their second win in the Cruising Class and the overall prize as Indio came out on top overall in the Performance Class. Through optimising their headsail inventory for this regatta, Ganesha had managed to secure a particularly favourable rating and were able to claim Wednesday’s race win by 18 minutes and today’s by 21. ‘It was quite ironic, because they set out a reaching race to try and level the playing field a bit and on the last leg of the race, the fleet were parked up close to the finish line and we were being pushed along by a little cloud and we caught up the rest of the fleet. So it was another good win and the boss is very happy,’ commented Ganesha’s Captain, Alex Pamment. Second place was also claimed by a Fitzroy-built Dubois design – the 37mMoonbird on which America’s Cup sailor Chris Main is racing skipper. Third went to long term American campaigner, Harry Macklowe and his 34m Frers design, Unfurled. On board the 32m Briand design Gliss, owner Marco Vögele was delighted with their result today that left them fourth overall. On board was her regular tactician in North Sails Denmark’s Jens Christensen, but for this regatta she had several new crew and Vögele said they had fitted in quickly. ‘The area always makes it interesting,’ commented Marco Vögele. ‘We want to come back next year. It is really one of the great regattas for the bigger boats.’ After a crewman was injured on board his boat on Wednesday, Barry Houghton, owner of the 45m Dubois-designed Salperton IV was relieved they had had a drama-free day. ‘It was a good day. Just the end was a little bit frustrating as it suited the guys who were a bit later because the wind held and they came through.’ Houghton added that the level of competition is certainly increasing every year in superyacht races such as this week’s Boat International Media/YCCS event, but felt that this might also be a problem. ‘Maybe it has been a wake-up call this week. Everyone has been getting more professional and aggressive. A good example – the first day we were coming down with all the chutes up. If you came to one of these regattas eight years ago only 30% of the boats would have had a chute!’ One of the reasons for the swelling numbers at this year’s Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta has been the inclusion within it of the Southern Wind Shipyard Championship. This week two Southern Wind 78s have been racing and an impressive turn out of seven of their Farr-designed 100 ft sisterships. Guglielmo Persico and Marco Percorella’s 78 Southern Star finished second today, leaving them fifth overall and winner of the SWS Championship. YCCS member Persico, also the CEO of Southern Wind, says this regatta is the only occasion his South African-built boats ever race en masse. ‘It is important to gather our clients and to have the opportunity to get them involved and to show their yachts to other people. They all enjoy racing.’ The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is scheduled to take place again in early June 2011, but in the meantime Boat International Media has announced an inaugural Caribbean Regatta and Rendezvous for superyachts, in association with the YCCS, to take place in the British Virgin Islands on 16-20 March 2011. For more information contact: Jill Campbell Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor 11 June 2010 After yesterday’s racing at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta was lost, with Porto Cervo being battered by 30 knots winds, so today there was a flat calm on the waters off northwest Sardinia. After a wait out on the water for the sea breeze to fill in, a race was started only for it to be canned as the wind fizzled away to nothing. “There were more than a couple of different models today, but you go out and deal with what you’ve got,” commented Principle Race Officer, Peter Craig. “Eduardo Recchi [Sporting Director at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda) was on the boat with us and he thought it would come in, but it stayed hazy and that wasn’t a good sign.” The wait provided enterprising crews of several superyachts to find ways of filling the time. On board the 29m Jongert Scorpione dei Mari they began a waterbombing campaign against their competition until one yacht responded by spraying them back with chilled champagne. In the end patience prevailed and a light sea breeze finally filled in at 2pm at 6 knots, the boats seeing 8-8.5 at their masthead. The cruising fleet made it through the whole of their start sequence, leaving in minute intervals in a pursuit race format, but as the leaders were approaching the first turning mark, the wind died terminally. “We didn’t want to get into the predicting game, but we were pretty sure it was lights out before pulling the plug...” said Craig. The wait until this afternoon’s racing provided owners and their guests some welcome recovery time from the magnificent Owners and Guests Beach Party held last night in the idyllic setting of the Hotel Romazzino. “It all went very very well and it was an opportunity to take some people from the boat and other friends and to take some girls dancing!” commented Sir Lindsay Owen Jones, owner of the 28.8m Wally, Magic Carpet 2, of the party. “We all had a good time. It was very nice and the welcome was nicely made. We had a good evening.” Of the last two days, Sir Lindsay Owen Jones has done enough sailing to remain philosophical about the lack of racing. “It is frustrating, although I think the organisers were right in both cases. Yesterday I think it was just bordering on the dangerous and they made a call on that and I thought that was fair. Today I think they were right to hang into the last minute to try and get a race. Our forecast said that there might have been another hour of breeze and that might have been enough. But it didn’t happen and that’s just the way it is. We were lucky. We had our start and we had a good spinnaker run up to the Montici [an island to the east of Caprera] which was very exciting. A downwind start is something we do very rarely.” On board Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s 25m Reichel Pugh My Song, tactician Tommaso Chieffi, who holds the same job with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s America’s Cup team, Azzurra, also reckoned the race committee had been right to keep the boats out on the water. “It was a good try. We had a bit of sea breeze. Unfortunately the sea breeze kicked in a bit late due to the fact that there was a lot of haze over the land in the morning and it didn’t get started until 2pm. It was blowing 5 knots and there was a possibility it could have gone up to 7-8 knots during the duration of the day until 5-6pm. So it was worth a try. We went for a sail, and unfortunately it did die off when we were leading. But Pier Luigi Loro Piana left with a big smile on his face, so I think it is always worth trying to do a race rather than not doing anything.” The final day of racing takes place tomorrow and much reading of the tea leaves is being carried out by the meteorologists in the hope that the weather comes good. Peter Craig says the weather models are varying and it is not a good sign that none agree. “One forecast calls for next to nothing. Another calls for light and another for a beautiful 12-16 knots. So we are going to go out there, give it our all and try and get one good race in.” As a consolation prize the strong social side of this regatta continues with the Loro Piana Owners Dinner at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda clubhouse while this coincides with the Sardinia Yacht Services Crew Party being held up in the hills behind Porto Cervo in the main square of the 18th century town, San Pantaleo. For more information contact: Jill Campbell Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor 10 June 2010 After a breezy opening day that saw several boats returning to the marina off the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda with breakage, so strong winds continued to blow overnight and through into this morning when, after a 90 minute delay, Principle Race Office Peter Craig cancelled day two of racing at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. “I’m happy to say this was one of the easier decisions,” said Craig over a background din of flags cracking and wind whistling through rigging. “All forecasts called for 25-30 knots of breeze and that is on the deck and not up at mast height level. Even when we had the lull here in Porto Cervo at 1000 they were reporting 22-24 knots down in Olbia and the breeze has come back with a vengeance. We had a service boat out on station two miles out from the harbour which last reported 24-26 knots of breeze building. So all five forecast sources we use called for more breeze than there was in the morning. Walking the dock everyone we spoke to agreed with our decision.” America’s Cup helmsman Peter Holmberg, who is helmsman and coach on board the 38m P2 endorsed the Race Committee’s call. “It is definitely the smart thing to do. These are big, big boats with big, big loads and a lot of it is new territory for the engineering. With a lot of owners and guests on board it really isn’t prudent. I’d say 25 knots would be the top otherwise the loads are just getting scary.” P2 is Perini Navi’s first cruiser racer and designed by Philippe Briand is the first boat they have built not conceived by their in-house team. The crew are still discovering teething problems, but according to Peter Holmberg they have catered for every eventuality. “We have a manual for every possible break down. It doesn’t always work, but it did yesterday.” Leader in the cruising division remains the 38.8m long Ganesha. This is one of three yachts racing here in Porto Cervo built by New Zealand’s Fitzroy Yachts, Gold sponsors of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and backers of today’s sadly cancelled racing. “It is a good event and Boat International do a good job organising it and it is a fantastic place to race,” says Fitzroy Yachts’ Managing Director Rodney Martin. The good thing having it at a club like this is that they make the right calls. Ganesha won yesterday and Moonbird came in sixth. I was sailing on Salperton and we had a guy that got injured and we had to come back in. It is a good reminder the power that is involved with these boats and the damage that can be done. As to why Ganesha is winning, Martin attributes it – obviously – to her builder, but also to the crew who have competed at several superyacht regattas now and are a past winner of the St Barts Bucket. “Their owner is really competitive and he understands sailing and racing. They are a very professional crew and they do a great job running the boat.” A day of racing lost did have its benefits. The Loro Piana Owners breakfast hosted by Pier Luigi Loro Piana was a huge success and continued into late morning as the postponement flag allowed for extra cappuccinos and chat. Tonight there is the much anticipated Owners and Guests Beach Party at the Hotel Romazzino, for which additional guests and superyacht owners have flown in especially. For tomorrow the forecast is looking more promising for racing to take place with the latest forecast showing the wind set to have dropped to 10-15 knots. There will be a residual seaway certainly, but with a fleet where the smallest boat is 24m long, this shouldn’t represent much of a problem. For further information on the regatta please contact: Jill Campbell Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor 9 June 2010 Strong winds and Sardinian sunshine made for an exhilarating start to the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Porto Cervo today. The race committee set a 30 nautical mile course in the south-easterly breeze, which was blowing 18-20 knots at the start. The wind gusted up to 35 knots later in the race as it funnelled through the straits which divide the rugged islands of Caprera and La Maddalena from the Sardinian mainland. Today, no one needed to ask why sailors call these straits ‘Bomb Alley’. While some boats were operating at their limits, others were lapping up the challenging conditions. In the Cruising Division, Ganesha, a 39-metre Dubois-designed Fitzroy Yacht, powered home to victory by 18 minutes on corrected time. In the Racing Division, Irvine Laidlaw’s 25-metre Wally racer/cruiser, Highland Fling, was similarly dominant as she surfed home almost 14 minutes ahead on corrected time. Luca Bassani, who was steering Highland Fling, commented: “Today was a perfect race in terms of conditions, between 18 and 20 knots most of the time, and we had a very long run to the Isle of Barretinelli where we gained a lot of speed.” Volvo Ocean Race skipper Neal MacDonald was calling tactics alongside Bassani. “The race went well, and the boat went incredibly well – up to 22 knots of boatspeed in 22 knots of wind. I underestimated how much wind there was round the back of La Maddalena and we had to do a tough sail change, but the crew were superb.” For the Cruising Division, which started a few minutes later, the breeze picked up considerably and made the upwind beat back to Porto Cervo very challenging. The 45-metre Dubois-design Salperton IV was forced to retire after a gear breakage led to one of the crew being injured. With such high loads on these big and complex yachts, it’s easy to see why some of the world’s best professionals are invited to sail these boats. Among the fleet of 28 yachts, ranging in length from 25 to 45 metres, there are nine Southern Wind yachts, blue-water cruisers designed for crossing oceans. One of those is the 30.2-metre Farr-designed Nauta, Zefiro, whose owner commented: “Yesterday evening we were given a very professional briefing. These guys are experts and today the organisation on the water was of the same quality, smooth and solid. I am extremely pleased with today’s racing, especially with regards to the performance of our newly formed crew. It was the first race for the boat, which I have sailed from the yard in Cape Town to the Med. I am very happy and looking forward to the next race tomorrow.” Photos and video of day 1 are now online: Click here to view video highlights of today’s racing Tomorrow’s forecast of up to 28 knots from the south-east will make for another challenging and exciting race around the islands of the Costa Smeralda. This evening, the all the race crews gathered round the Piazza Azzurra outside the host Yacht Club Costa Smeralda to share their epic stories over some cocktails. Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is in its third edition and concludes this Saturday, 12th June. For further information on the regatta please contact: Jill Campbell Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor June 8, 2010 Twenty-eight of the largest and most spectacular sailing superyachts in existence are ready and waiting in Porto Cervo for the start of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. Taking place in Sardinia from 8 to 12 June 2010, the regatta is set for a thrilling start, with moderate to strong breezes predicted for the first day. The event, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media, is in its third edition and has attracted a stunning fleet of sailing yachts ranging in length from 24 to 45 metres. The event officially got underway this morning with a day dedicated to registrations, inspections and informal training sessions for the participating crews. Racing is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 12 midday with the fleet, divided into Cruising and Performance divisions, following coastal courses along the rocky coastline of the Costa Smeralda and through La Maddalena archipelago where islands and rocks will act as natural buoys and marks. The Race Committee will be able to choose daily from a variety of courses based on the wind and sea conditions on what is recognized as one of the world’s most challenging and visually striking regatta courses. Dotted around the fleet are a host of top racing stars, Olympic medallists, America’s Cup skippers and round-the-world race veterans such as Peter Holmberg, Karol Jablonski, Tommaso Chieffi and Neal MacDonald. Daryl Wislang, the bowman on Highland Fling, has just completed a high-speed transatlantic crossing aboard Leopard 3 and made it to Porto Cervo in the nick of time, as Highland Fling crew boss George Skuodas explained. “Daryl got off the boat in Falmouth, flew straight up to Gatwick Airport and flew out here to join us last night, still wearing the clothes he’d been in across the Atlantic. So the first thing he did was have a shower! These are nice boats to sail, especially in this environment. Beautiful boats in beautiful surroundings”, Skuodas continued. A newcomer to the event this year is Perini Navi’s 38 metre racing sloop P2, helmed by America’s Cup winner Peter Holmberg; she will be making her regatta debut in the Mediterranean at the superyacht event. She will be joined by the Royal Huisman built Gliss, winner of the 2009 Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and Saudade – the largest yacht in the fleet measuring 45.2 metres (147 feet). Skippers and crews will be attending a technical briefing in the YCCS Clubhouse this evening followed by a Welcome Cocktail on the Club’s poolside terrace. Alongside spectacular racing a host of social events are also planned for the week, including a Beach Party for owners and guests at the Hotel Romazzino, a gala dinner at the YCCS and a crew party organized by Sardinia Yacht Services in the picturesque village of San Pantaleo. The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta will conclude on Saturday 12 June with a prize giving ceremony in which the Loro Piana Silver Jubilee Cup by Boat International will be awarded to the best classified yacht overall. The superyacht fleet will be followed by a host of official support vessels including the 39 metre Feadship motor yacht Go. The forecast for tomorrow gives south-easterly winds of 16 to 18 knots accompanied by sunshine and blue skies. For further information on the regatta please visit www.yccs.it orwww.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com or contact: Jill Campbell Alexis Naylor June 3, 2010 There is now less than one week to go before the Mediterranean superyacht racing calendar opens with four days of exhilarating racing on the emerald waters of the Costa Smeralda at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. The regatta is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with Boat International Media. Following consultation with the participating owners, Edoardo Recchi, Sports Director at YCCS, has preliminarily split the diverse fleet of 28 yachts into two divisions with the aim of making the competition as exciting and challenging as possible for all involved without compromising the safety of the vessels or crew.
The five yachts in the racing division will have a fleet start and the twenty three yachts in the cruising divison will start at one minute intervals on a pursuit start. Click here to see the full detailed entry list The overall winning yacht of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010 will be named on the perpetual Silver Cup which is displayed in the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The owner of the vessel will be presented with a unique hand blown glass sculpture by Chihuly made especially for the event reflecting the colours of the Sardinian waters. Special prizes will also be awarded to the overall winning yacht of each division. These will be hand made, polished stainless steel yacht models by the artist John Mellows of Azure Dragon Marine Sculptures. In addition all Southern Wind yachts will be racing for the Southern WindTrophy. The race will be supported by Feadship’s luxurious 39 metre motor yachtGO. This prestigious vessel is the official host yacht for the Regatta. The yacht, launched earlier this year, will offer VIP guests the opportunity to follow the racing in comfort and enjoy spectacular views of the action on the water. Also supporting the regatta will be Maxi Dolphin‘s MD 51 luxury day cruiser designed by Roberto Starkel to emulate 1930′s runabouts and American cariolets. This high performance tender driven by a professional sailor will offer VIP guests the opportunity to view the racing and enjoy an exhilarating day close to the action. Joining her on the water will be a fine sport utility boat from Blue Game. For more information on the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta please contact: Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor May 11, 2010 Demand is still strong for a place in the fleet of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta and the diversity exemplified by the substantial entry list of yachts is testament to the first class racing conditions of the Costa Smeralda and the popularity of this annual event. Perini Navi’s Philippe Briand designed, 38m P2 will be racing for the first time ever in Mediterranean waters. She will be joining the large, international fleet of yachts to compete for the Loro Piana Prize Overall, the Silver Jubilee Cup by Boat International Media. Her competitors will include CNB’s 35.7m Hamilton II, also designed by Philippe Briand; the latestSalperton from Dubois, a 45m sloop built at Fitzroy; and two German Frers designed yachts, the 34.2m Royal Huisman built Unfurled and Wally’s 30.5m Y3K. Click here to see the latest entry list Camper & Nicholson International are Silver Sponsor of the 2010 Regatta and two of our most notable entries are represented by them: last year’s winner the 32m Royal Huisman built Gliss and Southern Ocean Marine’s 32m Liara. “Camper & Nicholsons are delighted to be part of what has become one of the most prestigious events of the year in the yachting calendar. The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta continues to go from strength to strength and Camper & Nicholsons are proud to be involved.” There will be an evening of ‘sundowner cocktails’ in Piazza Azzurra after the first day of racing; Italian company I-Spirit Vodka are developing a special cocktail for the occasion. All guests of the regatta can benefit from special accommodation rates at nearby Jaspe – Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu a wonderful new resort only 3 km from Porto Cervo. A complimentary shuttle bus service will be running between the Hotel and Marina Porto Cervo for Regatta guests. Superyacht owners wishing to stay at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda during the event should contact the Club Manager Stefano Cuoco. Sardinia Yacht Services are offering their services on a complimentary basis to all involved with the regatta and will be on hand to assist with all logistical needs. 2010 is an important year for Sardinia Yacht Services as it marks their 10th year of business. To celebrate they will be hosting a fantastic village ‘festa’ for all crew of participating yachts, with a feast of truly Sardinia fare, local wines and traditional entertainment followed by a live band with dancing in the piazza until the early hours. For more information contact: Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor March 8, 2010 With preparations now well underway for the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010, the list of yachts planning to compete at this year’s event is growing almost daily. We are thrilled to announce that Royal Huisman’s 32 metre Gliss, designed by Philippe Briand, will be returning to defend her title. After four days of exhilarating racing on the dazzling, turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda in 2009, her delighted owner was presented with the Loro Piana Prize Overall, the Silver Jubilee Cup by Boat International Media. The latest yachts to register include Southern Ocean Marine’s 32 metreLiara and the 30 metre, Frers Designed Wally Dark Shadow. We are also pleased to welcome back Barry Houghton racing on his new, Dubois designed, Fitzroy built 45 metre Salperton – “I am delighted to be returning to Porto Cervo this year with my new Salperton for the Loro Piana Regatta. The fleet registered so far will make for exciting competition and I have no doubt that the teams at Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda will once again put on a fantastic social programme.” Click here to see the latest entry list Our group of diverse sponsors are joined by three new collaborators in 2010: Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Sardinia Yacht Services and North Sails. Sardinia Yacht Services will be on hand to assist all yachts and guests during the Regatta and will be hosting a Crew Party with us in celebration of their 10th Birthday. Martin Baum, Managing Director of Pantaenius, says “The fact that Porto Cervo happens to be one of the best sailing regatta areas in the world makes this event more exciting if not less dangerous from an insurance point of view. Pantaenius simply must be there.” The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is open to sailing yachts of 24 metres and above and we look forward to welcoming a diverse fleet to Porto Cervo. Courses and classes will be set to accommodate all entries across the fleet enabling the owners to enjoy their own yacht to its full purpose and potential. There will be a Pursuit Start for the Cruising Class and a Fleet Start for the Performance Class. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this spectacular event: REGISTER NOW TO GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE For more information contact: Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor January 18, 2010 Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda are delighted to announce that famed shipyard Perini Navi are to sponsor the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010. Perini Navi Group is a world leader in the luxury sailing yacht industry. In the 1980s, founder Fabio Perini created a new breed of sailing yacht that could be handled by a single person thanks to a revolutionary sail handling system. Today, Perini Navi is still the only shipyard in the world that has the necessary skills and know-how to design, engineer and build its own yachts. The development of the Perini Navi Group has been accompanied by a strategy of expansion and acquisitions to accommodate its growing production. The Perini Picchiotti shipyard is dedicated to the completion of all Perini Navis from 40 to 65 metres. Turkish shipyard Perini Istanbul Yildiz specialises in the construction of hulls and superstructures in both steel and aluminium. In La Spezia, Cantieri Navali Beconcini provides maintenance facilities and additional production capacity to the Perini Group and Perini Navi USA based in Newport, Rhode Island, offers dedicated charter and brokerage services exclusively for Perini yachts. In 2007, the company announced its entry into the motor yacht market and presented a new line of products which re-launched the Picchiotti brand. Radically different from the many motor yachts currently available on the motor yacht market, the first yacht of the series, the Vitruvius Explorer 50m, will be delivered to her owner this summer. A Picchiotti Vitruvius Explorer 55m and a 73m have also been sold and will be delivered in 2011 and 2013. Giancarlo Ragnetti, CEO of Perini Navi comments: “The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is an outstanding event on the beautiful emerald waters of Sardinia with an impressive fleet with some of the most renowned sailing yachts in the world. We have supported this regatta organized by Boat International Media and YCCS since the beginning and I believe with such large fleet this third edition will be very special. I am sure that the expert Race Committee will set some incredible courses, as they did for the Perini Navi exclusive regatta in Porto Cervo in 2009. The YCCS and related facilities are wonderful and I am confident that the social events will ensure some great entertainment and fun for all the participants.” The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is open to sailing yachts of 24 metres and above and we look forward to welcoming a diverse fleet to Porto Cervo. Courses and classes will be set to accommodate all entries across the fleet; from the racier Farr and Nauta designs to the larger Perini’s and Dubois yachts on the starting line. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this spectacular event: REGISTER NOW TO GUARANTEE YOUR PLACE For more information contact: Alice C. I’Anson Widdows Alexis Naylor December 22, 2009 Following the success of their involvement with the event in 2008 and 2009, Southern Wind Shipyard is proud to partner with Boat International Media and YCCS as Silver Sponsor of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010. Southern Wind Shipyard was established in 1991 by the Italian entrepreneur and company CEO Guglielmo (Willy) Persico. Located in Cape Town and with extensive construction work completed in 2009, the premises runs over 17,000m² of which 12,000m² are under cover. Specializing in semi-custom sailing yachts from 72 to 120 footers, built in composite material, Southern Wind combines the most advanced construction technologies with the tradition of the best handcraftsmanship. The final product is a top of the range, seaworthy yacht for blue water sailing, built by a trusted name in yacht construction known all over the world. Southern Wind Shipyard have been enthusiastic supporters of the event since its conception and hosted the IX SWS Trophy at the inaugural regatta in 2008. Every year, the regatta fleet has boasted a number of impressive Southern Winds helmed by their owners, many of whom have already expressed their interest in returning to Porto Cervo for next year’s third edition. A fleet of eight to ten SWS’ is expected including S/Y Thalima, SW 110, the new flagship which is due for launch in January 2010 and that will reach Porto Cervo straight from Cape Town just in time for the start of the first race! The fleet will be completed by a large number of the successful SW 100 model including S/Y Farewell, S/Y Farandwide, S/Y Zefiro, S/Y I-SEA, and S/Y Mrs Seven. Mr Persico and staff are delighted to support this fabulous event and look forward to four days of exhilarating sailing and first-class hospitality courtesy of Boat International Media and YCCS. We have already received 23 registrations from superyacht owners and their captains who are eager to participate in next year’s regatta. Click here to view the full list of registered yachts. A maximum of 30 entries will be accepted. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this spectacular event – register now to guarantee your place. Click here to register for the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010 Eighteen yachts registered for Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010December 15, 2009 Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda are delighted to partner once again to host the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in 2010. We look forward to welcoming a fleet of modern and classic sailing yachts over 24 metres to Porto Cervo for four days of exhilarating racing and first class hospitality set in the idyllic surroundings of La Costa Smeralda. A collection of the finest racing superyachts on the water will compete under IRC rating system for the coveted Silver Trophy. The owners and captains of eighteen of the most prolific yachts on the racing circuit have already registered their interest in participating in next year’s third edition of this magnificent regatta. Click here to view the full list of yachts who have registered their interest to date There will be both a racing class and a cruising division based on the overall fleet. A maximum of 30 entries will be accepted – don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this spectacular event and register now to guarantee your place. Click here to register for the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010 Oyster Marine to sponsor Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in 2010December 3, 2009 Boat International Media are delighted to welcome acclaimed yacht builders Oyster Marine as sponsor of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010, which will take place in Porto Cervo on 8 – 12 June 2010. Oyster Marine was founded in 1973 and has established itself as an international market leader of world-class cruising yachts. With their distinctive Deck Saloon design, Oyster yachts are recognised throughout the sailing world for quality, comfort and performance. Today, the Oyster fleet represents several design generations, each one building on the experience and success of its predecessor. The company’s business is truly international and Oyster has already won two Queen’s Awards, Britain’s top industrial accolade. Oyster Marine’s impeccable level of customer service is proven by the loyalty of their clients – over half of Oyster’s new builds are delivered to existing owners which sends a strong message to new customers thinking of joining ‘the Oyster family’. David Tydeman, CEO of Oyster Marine, commented: “For the last 10 years, Oyster has run exclusive regatta’s for Oyster owners to enjoy sailing their yachts together and we have always valued the way these events form part of the pleasure of owning a yacht. As we enter the superyacht arena with the first Oyster superyachts on the water in late 2010 and early 2011, we recognise that the owners of the Oyster 100′s and 125′s will wish to take part in other superyacht events as well as our own exclusive Oyster regattas. We hope that in the future we’ll have several Oysters taking part in the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. Planning ahead, I’m therefore delighted to start building the relationship between Oyster and the Loro Piana event.” Organised over 5 days on Sardinia’s breathtaking Emerald Coast, this is a competitive, fun-spirited regatta which welcomes sailing yachts over 24 metres. An impressive fleet of some of the most famous sailing yachts on the water will race under the IRC rating system. Courses and classes will be set by the YCCS Race Committee to accommodate all yachts across the fleet, from classics to maxis. A busy social programme of festivities organised by Boat International Media and YCCS will ensure that owners, their guests, captains and crew are every bit as entertained ashore, with events including a glamorous beach party at the Hotel Romazzino, the Loro Piana Owners Dinner at YCCS and the much anticipated Prize Giving ceremony in the Piazza Azzurra. EARLY REGISTRATION IS ADVISED AS A MAXIMUM OF ONLY 30 ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Click here to register for the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2010 Gliss victorious at Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 200913/06/2009 After four days of racing in near perfect conditions, the 32 metre Gliss, owned by Switzerland’s Marco Vogele, has taken victory in the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009 organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with Boat International Media. Gliss took first place seven points ahead of the Reichel-Pugh designed My Song owned by Pierluigi Loro Piana and was awarded the Silver Jubilee Cup during the prize giving in the Yacht Club’s Piazza Azzurra. Charles Dunstone’s 36 metre Hamilton II came in third, just one point behind My Song. Vogele was delighted on arrival at Porto Cervo Marina: “The location is the best, the organization is the best and we enjoyed this regatta so much. Rocks, stakes and sticks are used as natural marks and it’s perfect for everybody. This event is exceptional and excellently organized.” Today’s fourth and final race of the regatta saw some shifty wind conditions for the first time in the event. The majority of the fleet started in 12 knots of wind from 310 which unexpected swung round to 180° and fell to 8 knots during the starting sequence. The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta uses pursuit style racing with staggered starts based on each yacht’s handicap: the pure cruising yachts therefore start first with the faster yachts starting at the end of the sequence so that the entire fleet ends up sailing together around the course. Today’s sharp wind shift meant that the first yachts started on an upwind beat while the last yachts to start were flying their spinnaker. The fleet sailed north from the start off Porto Cervo to round Monaci island before turning back south to round the Secca Tre Monti rock and heading through the strait between the mainland and the Isole delle Bisce Island and the finish line off the Gulf of Pevero. Today’s Race was won by Open Season, owned by Thomas Bscher, ahead of Gliss and Magic Carpet 2, owned by Lindsay Owen Jones.
Bscher was pleased with the week’s racing: “This was a super week, Porto Cervo at its best. The weather was a dream, ideal sailing conditions which you will not find at this time in Europe. Regarding Open Season, we did quite well on three of the days, except the second day when we made a wrong decision. The organization was first class, the race committee as well. We will definitely come again.” Tommaso Chieffi, Veteran America’s Cup sailor (1986, 1992, 2003, 2007) and tactician aboard My Song which had an impressive 1, 3, 1 scoreline until she took twelfth place in today’s race, was philosophical “We were unlucky today. We had our start just when the wind swung from mistral to sirocco and we more or less stopped, along with the other five boats that started towards the end of the sequence. We had a good week and it has been a great event, it’s just a shame that the last race went this way for us.” “The variety of boats all racing together, the location, the weather and the atmosphere is unique,” commented Ed Dubois, designer of fourth-placed Moonbird. “The race organisation by YCCS is world class and the yacht club is possibly the most beautiful and organised in the world. In common with our clients, we at Dubois feel it is the superyacht regatta for the Mediterranean.” My Song regains lead in Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 200912/06/2009
On the third and penultimate day of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, Pierluigi Loro Piana’s My Song has taken her second victory out of three races. Marco Vogele’s Gliss took second place while Charles Dunstone’s 35.7 metre Hamilton II came in third. The overall classification for the event, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with Boat International Media, now sees the Reichel-Pugh designed My Song move into the lead with the 32 metre Gliss in second place. The Dubois-designed Moonbird, which led the fleet after yesterday’s Race Two, has moved back to third place overall. Only four points separate the top three yachts and with just one more race to run and no discards, all is still to play for and no one can afford to make mistakes tomorrow.
Racing, scheduled to start at 12 midday today, was delayed for two hours this morning as the YCCS Race Committee waited for the 30 knots of Mistral wind to calm, as per this morning’s forecast. By the first starting signal at 1pm the prevailing north westerly wind had fallen to 16 knots from 290° and the fleet set off on a 29 mile course through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.
“It was fresh but not frightening!” was the comment of PRO Peter Reggio which summed up today’s conditions.
After crossing the start line off Porto Cervo the fleet sailed south to round the islands of Mortorio and Soffi before turning north and heading to Monaci island. After leaving Monaci to port the fleet turned back towards Porto Cervo and the finish line just in front of the entrance to the Marina.
Once again Wally Yachts held the top three spots in elapsed time with Saudade, Indio and Open Season respectively setting the pace today.
The fourth and final race of the event is scheduled to start at 12 midday tomorrow and the forecast gives more mistral wind of approximately 16 knots accompanied by clear blue skies and very high temperatures.
Following yesterday’s sumptuous beach party at the Romazzino Hotel, title sponsor Loro Piana has organized no less than two social events for this evening. Owners and guests will be attending a gala dinner at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Clubhouse while crews will be attending an open air party.
Boat International Beach Party
After another splendid day of racing on the emerald waters of the Costa Smeralda, yacht owners, their families and guests kicked backed their heels and danced the night away last night at the infamous Beach Party, held in celebration of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta at the exclusive Hotel Romazzino.
Arriving both by land and sea, the mood was electric with guests excitedly discussing the action on the water from Fitzroy Race Day 2. 400 guests enjoyed Perrier Jouet champagne on the lawn enjoying the relief of a cool breeze, evening sunset and the breathtaking views overlooking Romazzino Bay.
A sumptuous Sardinian dinner was followed by an enthusiastic celebration of the evening as many owners took immediately to the dance floor whilst others enjoyed a private tasting of the luxury cognac Louis XIII. London DJ Mark Fellowes entertained the guests with the best of a selection of classic hits designed to appeal to the international gathering aged between 18 and 80. Guests left with sore feet and big smiles, yet keen to rest to be on form for today’s racing.
“Thank you very much, wonderful party.” Glenn & Jane Hickerson, Owners of Kalikobass
“Wonderful party, thank you very much for inviting us.” Claus Peter Offen, Owner of Y3K
Moonbird takes lead in Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009
11/06/2009
In a very fitting turn of events, Day Two of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta – the Fitzroy Race Day – was won by Moonbird, one of the two Fitzroy-built superyachts competing. Marco Vogele’s Gliss came in second on handicap today and Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s My Song took third place. Moonbird is also sitting at the top of the overall classification thanks to her second-place in yesterday’s Race One. My Song is in second place, just one point behind, and Gliss is in third place overall in this event organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with Boat International Media.
 Race Two, a 35 mile course which wound in through the island of the La Maddalena archipelago, was once again accompanied by blue skies, sizzling sunshine and a brisk Mistral wind which kept owners and crews busy and entertained. “We had gusts of up to 31 knots which was just a little bit too much wind for us so we didn’t fly the spinnaker” commented the owner of the 39 metre Ganesha. “As a result we probably lost 2 or 3 places but it was still a great day’s sailing. I think Porto Cervo is the best place to sail in Europe.Wally Yachts had another great day with three of their yachts taking the top places in elapsed time for the second day running. Claus Peter Offen’s Y3K completed the course in just over two hours and 40 minutes followed by Magic Carpet 2 and Indio. Indio’s owner Andrea Recordati, tired but satisfied after today’s racing, said, “That was a serious workout but it was fantastic! The weather was perfect for sailing and the course was excellent for the conditions.” Rodney Martin, Managing Director of Fitzroy Yachts was pleased with today’s race: “I’m really pleased to see a Fitzroy-built, Dubois-designed sloop cross the finish line first and take first place on handicap on the Fitzroy Race Day. The event is really well organized and is a credit to the YCCS and Boat International Media.”
Racing started on schedule this morning at 12.05 and the fleet was set a coastal course which took full advantage of the 18 to 20 knots of wind from 295°. The YCCS Race Committee sent the superyacht fleet from the start off Porto Cervo north to round the Isola dei Monaci to port before rounding the southern tip of Caprera island and sailing northward along the coast. The yachts then turned north, passing between the La Maddalena island and the island of Spargi. After rounding the Barettinelli di Fuori islets at the northern end of the archipelago the fleet then headed back south leaving the La Maddalena and Caprera islands to starboard and on to the finish in the Pevero Gulf, just south of Porto Cervo.
Germany’s Heiner Weiss, fomer pilot and racing car driver, gave a guest’s view from Thomas Bscher’s Open Season: “I am a pure sailing amateur and this was my first racing on board of a yacht. It was a wonderful experience, this combination of nature and high technology. And then there is this tension on board when the boats come so close to each other. There is a lot of concentration and small mistakes can have heavy consequences.”
After a challenging day’s racing, owners and their guests will be able to relax this evening at the Boat International Beach Party to be held at the Romazzino Hotel. Racing is scheduled to continue tomorrow, June 12th at 12 midday. The forecast predicts strong westerly winds in the morning which should calm to approximately 15 knots in the afternoon.
My Song leads in Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009
10/06/2009 Day one of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta could not have been more picture perfect: sunshine, blue skies and 15 to 18 knots of Sardinia’s legendary Mistral wind accompanied the 19 participating superyachts on a 30 mile course through the La Maddalena archipelago. Pierluigi Loro Piana’s My Song took victory on handicap in the first of four scheduled races in the event organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media which will run until June 13th. The 37 metre Moonbird is sitting in second place in the overall classification followed by Charles Dunstone’s Hamilton II. Fastest around the course were three of the five competing Wally yachts. Albert Buell’s Saudade completed the course in just over 2 hours and 28 minutes and was followed by Claus-Peter Offen’s Y3K, which added just 30 seconds to Saudade’s time. Magic Carpet 2, owned by Lindsay Owen-Jones, came third in elapsed time. With a special prize on offer for the best classified Wally yacht competition will be tough among these vessels. “It was the perfect sailing day” commented Wally CEO Luca Bassani who was on board Indio today. “We had around 18 knots of wind and this is the perfect place to have regattas, even if I would have preferred a little more wind myself.” Albert Buell, owner of Saudade agreed “This race today was exciting and very close. Unlike other places you can sail much closer together among the islands as there is much less swell. It’s very good as well that the normal ISAF rules are in force, we don’t need special ones. In total it was a good race. In the end we were lucky that the strap between the halyard and headsail broke before the start of the race and so it only cost us 3 minutes and 10 seconds.” The first start of the event was given this morning 12.05 and the rest of the fleet followed one-by-one at two minute intervals. The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta uses pursuit style racing in which each yacht has a separate starting signal based on their IRC handicap. This format ensures safety on the starting line and fun on the water as the faster boats that started last catch up with the slower yachts that started first and the fleet races around the course in close proximity. Taking into account the steady north westerly breeze, the YCCS Race Committee sent the superyacht fleet on a course which took them first on a beat through the Bisce straits and past the island of Santo Stefano before heading north along the channel between the La Maddalena island and the island of Spargi. After rounding the Barettinelli di Fuori islets at the northern end of the archipelago the fleet then headed back south past the La Maddalena and Caprera islands and on to leave Monaci island to starboard before crossing the finish line in the Pevero Gulf, just south of Porto Cervo. Even those who finished further down the classification were happy with today’s race. “It was the perfect course for today’s conditions” said Andrew “Dog” Palfrey, Olympic Star sailor for Australia (2008) and tactician aboard Kokomo, currently sitting in 10th place. “Calling tactics on this 52 metre yacht is not much different than on the Farr 40 or even in the Star class. I am really enjoying working with such a large crew though.” Tomorrow, Thursday 11th June should see another beautiful day’s racing with more of the same conditions predicted. Approximately 18 knots of westerly winds should accompany the first starting signal, scheduled for 12 midday. Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009 starts tomorrow in Porto Cervo09/06/2009 Tuesday 9th June. Porto Cervo, Italy. A fleet of superyachts lines the docks of Porto Cervo Marina ready and waiting for the start of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009. Racing is scheduled to start tomorrow, Wednesday 10th June, with the nineteen-strong fleet completing a coastal course in and around the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago on each of the four days of racing in programme. This is the second edition of the event organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Boat International Media and sees the participation of Italian luxury clothing brand Loro Piana for the first time.
Racing will take place using the IRC rating system and with staggered starts based on each yacht’s handicap which will allow the entire fleet to race in close proximity around the course whilst insuring safety on the starting line.
Fitzroy Yachts are Gold sponsors of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009. Alloy Yachts, Future Fibres and Lufthansa Private Jet are Silver Sponsors of the event. IBS Yachts, Louis XIII by Remy Martin, Royal Huisman, San Lorenzo, Scorpion and Wight Vodka are contributing sponsors. Titans head to Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009May 22, 2009 A fleet of sailing giants are set to take to the starting line of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009 in just under three weeks time. This second edition of the event, organized by Boat International Media and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is open to yachts over 24 metres and will feature four days of racing from June 10th to 13th.
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