ROLEX GIRAGLIA

Following an epic battle of giants in tricky windy conditions, Magic Carpet Cubed scored her third real-time victory in the Rolex Giraglia after overtaking Arca SGR on the final approach to Genoa.

Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones’s Wallycento crossed the finish line in Genoa at 10:07 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, stopping the clock in 34 hours, 7 minutes and 17 seconds. A mark far removed from the just under 15 hours of the record set by Esimit Europa 2 in 2012, but enough for Magic Carpet Cubed to secure its third victory in real time in the Mediterranean high-altitude classic, which it already won in 2013 and 2016 .

The feat of the British 100 feet was not without drama. The test was led for most of the route by the maxi ARCA SGR of the Italian Furio Benussi, who a few miles from the finish line seemed the favorite to defend the title achieved in 2021. But in the always decisive final approach to Genoa, the Magic Carpet Cubed’s experienced crew took a gamble on heading inland and found enough breeze to catch up and overtake their rival. The final difference between the two was 26 minutes.

By the time Magic Carpet Cubed crossed the finish line, most of the 141 boats that started on Wednesday were approaching Giraglia Rock, the legendary natural passing beacon located about 83 nautical miles (154 km ) of Genoa. The battle for outright victory in compensated time remains wide open.

The Rolex Giraglia is one of the most revered and historic sailing events in the Mediterranean since its creation in 1953. It is organized by the Yacht Club Italiano with the support of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez and has been sponsored by Rolex since 1998.

On Saturday, the final summary of the regatta will be publishedand the identity of the overall winner of the 69th Rolex Giraglia will be revealed.

69ª Rolex Giraglia TRACKING