Regate di Primavera
Maxi yacht racing re-ignites in Italy in one month’s time with the Regate di Primavera held out of one of the nation’s most idyllic hamlets, Portofino.
Organised by the Yacht Club Italiano, in conjunction with the International Maxi Association, Portofino has long been a favourite destination with maxi yacht owners, who have previously raced there in major events such as the Zegna Trophy, the Regate Pirelli and the Nespresso Cup for the Wally class.
Last year the Yacht Club Italiano, who have their summer base in Portofino, re-introduced their spring regatta there, exclusively for maxi yachts. That event was a great success with a strong turn-out of maxis, whose owners and crews were keen to get back out on the water after being locked up for so long due to the pandemic.
This year’s event is expected to bounce back ever stronger thanks to support from Rolex Italia, the main partner and with Rolex being official timepiece of the event, plus the Italian sailing federation (FIV) and official hospitality partner, the Splendido Mare Hotel and technical partner Banca Passadore & C.
Racing will take place for the maxi fleet (yachts of 18.29+m) over four days (22-25 April) in three classes – Class Racer, Class Cruiser-Racer and Mylius Yachts. The former will race a mix of windward-leeward and coastal courses while the Cruiser-Racers will sail coastal races exclusively and may have a special dispensation for racing with guests on board. The Mylius Yachts class will solely be for craft emanating form the Podenzano-based yard and will include Twin Soul B of Mylius Yachts President Luciano Gandini, which last year finished second to an all-conquering Alessandro del Bono and his rejuvenated ILC maxi Capricorno.
Racing at the Regate di Primavera will take place over Friday 22 April until Monday 25th April preceded by registration, measurement, inspection and a Skippers’ Briefing on the Thursday and culminating in a prize-giving on the final Monday. Among the prizes will be trophies for the highest placed IMA members in the two classes.
