The Yacht Club Italiano’s legendary committee boat, the Beppe Croce, had barely set the finish line when Esimit Europa 2 crossed over to take line honours in the first inshore race of the Giraglia Rolex Cup 2010.
Racing commenced late in the afternoon today in St Tropez for the close to 200 participating yachts with 15-20 knots of wind. The International Maxi Class was the first to start and the 40 m high mast, with the brilliant blue mainsail, set the European team apart from the fleet.
It’s a good start to the season for Owner Igor Simcic and his European crew onboard the 100 foot maxi christened a just a few days ago in Cannes.
“Today was our first regatta, there was plenty of wind, up to 28 knots in the gusts, plus lots of action racing amidst the other boats. It was very exciting for us and I am happy to have been first over the finish line. I have further confirmation that the team I selected is a top team. Favini suggested that we chose the best, with more experience than we perhaps needed and I am confident that this was the right decision,” said Owner Igor Simcic.
Speaking about the race, Skipper Flavio Favini commented: “We didn’t get the start that we wanted, we were a bit too far to the left so we had to wait for the others to tack before we could. From the first mark we were clear ahead and it took us less than 40 minutes to complete the course.” Favini continued; “It is our first regatta and this is a very technical and complex boat to sail. It is twice the size we are used to racing. What is important for us in these days is that we refine our maneuvers and crew work, select the right sails and prepare for the Giraglia.”
The Maxi proudly flies the European flag, together with main sponsor Gazprom, and Esimit Europa 2 represents a new era in yacht racing. The team has an ambitious programme of five demanding regattas and Esimit Europa 2’s sights are set on winning each and every one.
“I was proud to fly the European flag as we crossed the finish line today. This is our first win and the first step towards a united Europe,” said Simcic.
Inshore racing continues at the Giraglia Rolex Cup through Tuesday in St Tropez. These three days of coastal racing are a warm up regatta for the team, in preparation for the coveted Giraglia race, which starts on Wednesday morning.
