This year’s line-up smashes the 2005 record of 37 yachts and, once again, has brought the elite of the international sailing and business worlds to Porto Cervo.
The 2006 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will be the stage for some truly fierce competition among a fleet of veritable giants, which includes some strong new entries and a number of veterans of this highlight of the Mediterranean yachting season. Two new Super Maxis, Bob OATLEY’s Wild Oats XI (Australia) and her near sistership, Neville CRICHTON’s Alfa Romeo (New Zealand), are undoubtedly two to watch at this year’s event. Designed by Reichel/Pugh and competing in the Racing Division, both come in at 98 feet with canting keel technology and a host of other high-tech innovations. Wild Oats XI, won it all in the last Rolex Sydney Hobart: a rare line honours and handicap victory double, as well as setting a new race record. Alfa Romeo was tough to beat and came in second on both elapsed and corrected time; later in the year she took line honours at another classic offshore race, the 2006 Giraglia Rolex Cup.