(St Tropez, France)- The Giraglia Rolex Cup is one of the most popular
yachting events in the Mediterranean and has been a tradition for
European sailors close to 60 years. The event is a pageant of sailing
and runs over a full week each year in mid-June. Inshore racing on the
Bay of Saint-Tropez takes place from Sunday, 10 to Tuesday, 12 June,
and, the offshore race starts on Wednesday, 13 June. The period in
Saint-Tropez has a quintessential French Mediterranean feel, with the
three days of inshore racing allowing competitors to enjoy the culinary
highlights of an engaging port, before embarking on the more serious
challenge of a 242-nautical mile race to Sanremo, via the Giraglia, a
rocky outcrop off the northern tip of Corsica.Regularly attracting in excess of 200 yachts for the week of competition, the event is a kaleidoscope of nationalities. The French and Italians make up the bulk of entries, but frequently yachts from the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Nordic countries, Eastern Europe, Russia, and, even Asia and the Southern Hemisphere add richness to the occasion.
There are various notable moments for the participants. Certainly, the most memorable is the customary crew party featuring live music, exceptional food and drink, and, a spectacular firework display. Hosted by Rolex, it is set amid the grounds of La Citadelle, the 17th century fort that dominates the skyline on the landward side of Saint-Tropez.
Thereafter, for those on the offshore race, the rounding of the Giraglia marks the turning for the home. The rock itself is like many others, topped with a lighthouse to help navigators with their bearings. It lies less than one nautical mile off the coast of Corsica, rises 66-metres at its highest point and measures 600-metres in length. Yet, it has achieved mythic proportion in the minds of racing sailors, who view it in similar terms as the Fastnet Rock: somewhere small and uninhabitable, but crucial in the quest to complete the challenge of the race.
The entry list for the Giraglia Rolex Cup offshore race shows some notable returnees to a challenge that requires resolute determination to successfully counter the vagaries of the wind, the fierce competition within the fleet, and, the twists and tactical conundrums presented by the racecourse.
There are always newcomers on the start list, but few will match the pedigree of the J/122 ARTIE from Malta, owned by Lee Satariano and co-skippered by Christian Ripard. In their previous competitive offshore outing the combination were the first Maltese in ten years to win the hugely demanding 606-nm Rolex Middle Sea Race. This is Satariano’s first venture away from home waters, something he is looking forward to, “it will be a great challenge, but we’re all up for it. The most important characteristic we possess is a motivated crew. After that consistency is a major factor, as is good preparation.” Providing Lee and Christian good motivation and competition will be one of the best Italian offshore teams, led by Giancarlo Ghislanzoni on his J/122 CHESTRESS 3. Don't be surprised if both teams will be dueling for handicap honors. For more Rolex Giraglia Race sailing information
