First Race Abandoned

The first race of the Rolex IMS Worlds, which started today in the waters of the Gulf of Naples, was abandoned after a series of significant wind shifts and a dying breeze reshuffled the fleet several times by the second leg.

The day had begun with a good north-easterly breeze that continued to drop throughout the day. For the next start, the variable wind dropped to less than five knots, and the Jury was forced to cancel racing for the day. Racing resumes tomorrow with the Offshore Race scheduled to start at 12:00 noon.

Sixty-six boats in three classes are in Capri for the regatta, which continues through until Saturday. A host of international sailors are here to compete including Thierry PEPPONNETT, helmsman on Near Miss, a new Grand Soleil 42; Pedro CAMPOS, helmsman on Bribon Telefonica, a new Judel/Vrolijk Evento 46; Terry HUTCHINSON (helmsman), Peter ISLER (navigator), and Adrian STEAD (tactician) on the new Botin/Carkeek 58, Talisman; Vasco VASCOTTO, helmsman on the new Grand Soleil 42, Meridiana, among others.

The Rolex IMS Offshore World Championships in Capri has been organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with the Capri Yacht Club. The IMS yachts that have arrived in Capri hail from ten different nations – in addition to Italy, they come from Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Norway, USA, Uruguay, Croatia, Spain and Great Britain.

To brighten the spirits of the crews and owners, last night was the “Sardinian Crew Party”. For this occasion, the docks of the Marina Grande play host to the fabulous food offerings of the Monte Acuto region of Sardinia.