Friday 23 May 2014

Rolex Capri Sailing Week : First coastal regatta of Rolex Capri Sailing Week abandoned due to lack of wind

On board Esimit Europa 2. Image copyright Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

by Eldina Knez

Maxi yachts competing at Rolex Capri Sailing Week, today participated in the first of three coastal races, which are scheduled between now and Saturday's conclusion to the regatta.

Today’s coastal race started after a delay of half an hour, at 12:30. The course was set on the picturesque waters around the island of Capri – from a start off the Sorrento Peninsula, then across to Capri’s southeast coast to Faraglioni, and was to have continued on to Punta Campanella on Sorrento Peninsula before returning to the north side of Capri to the finish line. However the race was abandoned at 2pm due to a lack of wind, just after Esimit Europa 2 had been first to round the Faraglioni mark.

The next coastal race for the Maxi fleet at Rolex Capri Sailing Week is set for tomorrow at 12am.

Igor Simčič, Founder of the Esimit Europa project, said: "We started well with the wind blowing 10-12 knots at the starting line and shortly after the start we were already leading. Even in the most critical moments of calm we kept the leading position. After rounding the first mark we had chosen the right direction and we had already started to gain speed, but then the race was unfortunately abandoned."

Esimit Europa 2
Rolex Capri Sailing Week