NIKITA Top J/122, ALBACOR Top J/109
(St Tropez, France)- The 2010 Giraglia Rolex Cup comprises a series of inshore races in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, followed by a 245nm offshore race starting in St. Tropez via La Giraglia islet off Corsica, then to San Remo in Italy. It is one of the world's most picturesque coastlines, the views are dramatic and the people equally as beautiful-- the "apres sailing" is just as much fun as the gorgeous sailing venues. Making it all happen are, of course, Rolex as primary sponsors, as well as strong event organization, managed by the Yacht Club Italiano in collaboration with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez.
The racing had more than its fair share of shifty, windy offshore winds (Mistral like but not too strong) to moderate air on-shore seabreezes. A total of four races were sailed between San Remo and St. Tropez. The J sailors faired reasonably well, although based on some of the results of well-campaigned J's it was clear the off-the-water festivities must've been taking their toll-- after all, it is the French and Italian Riviera at the height of summer with far, far too many distractions (or attractions) for one to focus on sailing all week long! Nevertheless, there were over two dozens J's participating. Notable performances include Andreas Farber's J/122 NIKITA and Jean Louis Pezin's J/109 ALBACOR.
In the 58 nm St. Tropez Race, the Farber's J/122 NIKITA won IRC B class quite handily. In the 24 nm San Remo-St. Tropez-San Remo Race, Pezin's J/109 ALBACOR finished second by just seconds! And, for the Giraglia Race Week Combined Overall results for all four races, Farber's J/122 NIKITA finished sixth in IRC A class within a fleet of 137 boats; and in IRC B class, Pezin's J/109 ALBACOR took fourth of 37 boats, including taking a DNC in the first race for not having sailed it! Otherwise, ALBACOR's average of third was good enough for a second overall for the last three races! For
more Giraglia Rolex Cup Sailing information Photo credits- ROLEX/ Kurt Arrigo