| Destination Capri. |
| By the Rolex Volcano Race Media Team, May 20, 2012. |
| Photos by Kurt Arrigo for Rolex, edited By Peter Andrews. |
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| The Rolex Volcano
Race bid farewell to mainland Italy earlier today as the event’s
15-strong international fleet departed Gaeta to commence the first
leg of the 400-nautical mile offshore race. The crews are destined
for the famed Mediterranean island of Capri some 100-nautical miles
from Gaeta. |
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The start of of the Rolex Volcano Race 2012, off Gaeta.
Photo © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo.
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With light conditions prevailing, today’s 15:00 CEST departure from Gaeta was delayed by some forty minutes. A sombre sky and winds of five to six knots welcomed the eventual start.
Yesterday’s inshore race winners Jethou (GBR), a 60-ft Mini Maxi, began strongly becoming the fastest yacht to reach the race’s first mark, followed closely by the event’s largest boat, the 112-ft Nilaya (BEL) and the 100-ft Wally Y3K (GER). |
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Claus-Peter Offen's Wally 100 Maxi Y3K (GER), at the start of leg one of
the Rolex Volcano Race 2012.
Photo © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo.
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By 20:00 CEST, the fleet had already spread out with these three leading boats in the process of rounding the island of Ponza. Filip Balcaen’s Nilaya, travelling at 6.5 knots, held a narrow lead over Jethou and Y3K. These three are set for a cat and mouse tussle throughout the night with further calm conditions forecast.
Stacked further behind is Marton Jozsa’s Mini Maxi Wild Joe (HUN), currently on the approach to Ponza along with the fastest Italian boat, the 65-ft Twin Soul 6. |
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Sir Peter Ogden’s 60-foot Mini Maxi Jethou (GBR) after the start
of leg one of the Rolex Volcano Race 2012.
Photo © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo.
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The fifteen yachts competing in Leg One comprise ten different nationalities and some renowned international sailors including Brad Butterworth on Jethou, Nilaya’s Bouwe Bekking whilst the 67-ft Caol Ila (USA) can count on the experience of Rolex Sydney Hobart winners Gordon Maguire and John Hildebrand.
The fleet are set to arrive in Capri throughout the day tomorrow before berthing for the night. |
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Márton Józsa's Reichel Pugh 60 Wild
Joe (HUN), after the
start in Gaeta of leg one of the Rolex Volcano Race 2012.
Photo © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo.
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| Leg Two of the race commences at 11:00 CEST on Tuesday 22 May and comprises a 300-nautical mile voyage around the Aeolian Islands, including the volcanic island of Stromboli, the symbol of another challenging offshore adventure, the Rolex Middle Sea Race. |
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Sir Peter Ogden’s 60-foot Mini Maxi Jethou (GBR) prepares for a reach
after the start in Gaeta of leg one of the Rolex Volcano Race 2012.
Photo © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo.
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| The overall winner of Leg Two will receive the coveted Rolex Trophy and timepiece during the traditional Rolex party at the iconic La Canzone del Mare, held on Friday May 25. |
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Vladimir Liubonirov's Bronenosec (RUS), at the start of leg one of the
Rolex Volcano Race 2012.
Photo © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo.
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| The Rolex Volcano Race is organised by the International Maxi Association (IMA) and is open to Maxi yachts (measuring over 18.29 metres or 60-feet in length). Further information on the Rolex Volcano Race may be found at www.internationalmaxiassociation.com. |
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| Outimage and Rolex © 2012. |
