Marseille is once again in the fifth and final stage of the GC32 international circuit. In total, eleven new-generation foam catamarans have taken part in most of the 2017 events, including Malizia, by Pierre Casiraghi. The Monegasque boat has performed very well this season and recorded good performances on different regattas, though missing a small final victory (due to damage on the last day of race) during the Corsican stage organised last September.
Constantly improving, Malizia has worked on its departure procedures to impose itself today as a challenger on many fronts. Precise, fast and fully mastered in its tactical options and placement, the Monegasque boat will this time closely monitor its transom since it occupies the 5th place in the provisional overall standings. A position that allows it to remain in contention for a podium since only 6 points separates them from the Japanese Mamma Aiuto! which is currently 3rd.
At the helm, Pierre Casiraghi is now racing with ease. Victorious in seven races out of the fourteen runs during the previous stage, the Monegasque crew is positioned as a sizeable opponent. “Last minute damage made us lose the podium in Corsica when we were 11 points ahead. We expect to transform the test during this stage and get a podium because we really have the means,” said Pierre Casiraghi a few days before departure.
Realteam of Esteban Garcia, however, seems out of reach. With a total of 7 points and two stage victories in the four already contested, the Swiss crew is on course to succeed Norauto (powered by Groupama Team France in the 2017 America’s Cup) by Franck Cammas and winner of the previous edition. At the head of Team Malizia, Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of Y.C.M, decided to hire the IMOCA 60’ Malizia II – Monaco Yacht Club at the start of the 13th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre. A decision following a very good 3rd place won in August after the Rolex Fastnet Race.
Known to be very demanding, this dual transatlantic course, organised every two years, will leave Le Havre on 5 November, 2017, heading for Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Boris Herrmann, a distinguished navigator and loyal member of the Malizia team since its inception, will be engaged in this offshore race alongside Thomas Ruyant (Pierre Casiraghi not being available to run). Boris and Thomas, who both dream of the Vendée Globe, will thus form one of the 13 duos competing in IMOCA. “I would like to thank Pierre Casiraghi for offering us this great opportunity. It will be the first transatlantic race for Malizia II. With Thomas, we will try to compete with a serious competition such as Dick – Elies (Saint – Michel – Virbac), Meilhat – Gahinet (SMA), Lagravière – Peron Bastide Otio),” said Boris modestly, who has one of the fastest boats in the fleet. The GC32 international circuit certainly has been an exciting boating event, each year pushing the limit of speed, style and strategy.
