Rosehearty Reigns Supreme at Perini Navi Cup

With two victories in three races run, the 56-metre ketch Rosehearty, with sailing rockstar Paul Cayard calling tactics, claimed overall victory in the sixth edition of the Perini Navi Cup. Second place went to the  45-metre sloop Clan VIII while
the 60-metre ketch Seahawk, launched in 2013 and with Mike Toppa on tactics, placed third overall thanks to a bullet in today's final race. Hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from ^2nd to ^5th September, the event saw 15 Perini Navi yachts gathered in Porto Cervo for four days of racing and social events.

The third and final coastal race around the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago brought the fleet south of Porto Cervo to round the picturesque isles of Mortorio and Soffi before returning to cross the finish line off the Gulf of Pevero. After two days of light airs, the 23/25 knots of westerly wind blowing on the starting line were a welcome change and provided for some exciting racing for sailors and spectators alike. The decidedly brisker conditions clearly suited the 60 metre ketch Seahawk, who claimed her first win of the regatta ahead of Clan VII. Rosehearty, boasting America's Cup sailor Chris Draper at the helm, took third place but her previous two consecutive bullets assured her an overall win, just one point ahead of Clan VIII.

During the final prize giving ceremony held this evening on the Piazza Azzurra overlooking Porto Cervo Marina YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo commented on a highly successful event: "What a stunning fleet and a spectacular event. On behalf of the Club my thanks must go to the owners for bringing their magnificent vessels here, to Perini for choosing to hold their gathering here every two years and to all of the event sponsors. Together with the staff of the Club, everyone has worked incredibly hard to make this a truly memorable week."

Mrs Milena Perini also commented during the prize giving: "Thank you to everyone who participated. It has been a fantastic event and my family and I are happy that it has been such a success. Possibly the most important aspect of the regatta however is the wonderful atmosphere, everyone had smiles on their faces and that is what makes this event special."