Sunday 2nd July 2017. The second stage of the GC32 Racing Tour 2017 was held in Villasimius, southern Sardinia, the first time the Italian island has hosted these latest generation foiling catamarans. Seven teams were on the start, including the Monegasque GC32 Malizia, helmed by Pierre Casiraghi.
The whole Malizia team made the trip, including the IMOCA 60, Malizia II, led by Boris Herrmann and kitesurfer Maxime Nocher.
After ten races, Jason Carroll’s American crew on Team Argo won the event, ahead of Esteban Garcia’s Swiss team on Realteam skippered by Jérôme Clerc, with the Japanese Mamma Aiuto! completing the podium.
Malizia at ease in the big breeze
In Villasimius, the YCM’s Vice-President once again proved how at ease he is in windy conditions, coming 3rd in the Anonimo Speed Challenge, a no-hold-bars test of the sheer power of these machines.
With an improved average speed of 27.28 knots, the Monegasque GC32 was on the third step of the podium just behind the American Team Argo (27.87 knots) and the Spanish Movistar (28.17 knots).
On the final day in a brisk 18-knot wind, Malizia proved their potential in the big conditions, winning the ninth race and finishing 2nd in the eighth.
“After missing out for being over the line the day before, we were determined to pull off at least one validated win! It’s really motivating for everyone in the team who I salute for their determination and enthusiasm. Next meeting, Spain!” comments Pierre Casiraghi.
Indeed, the final day of racing in turquoise Sardinian waters bodes well for the third stage of the GC32 Racing Tour which is in Palma de Mallorca, 2-5 August 2017, famous for being very windy.
Source: Yacht Club de Monaco
