Marking the beginning of an amazing Mediterranean yachting season, the second edition of the Rolex Volcano Race is taking place these days, running from 19-25 May in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Swan 80 sailing yacht Berenice Bis Photo By Rolex/Kurt Arrigo
In contrast to last year’s inaugural event when one race took place, three segments are contested, with the first started in the form of a day’s inshore racing on Saturday 19 May in Gaeta, a seaport on the Italian mainland located approximately halfway between Rome and Naples.
During the second segment, which began on Sunday 20 May, the fleet tackle Leg One of the 400-nautical mile offshore race, a 100-nautical mile voyage from Gaeta to Capri through the Pontine Islands. On arriving in Capri, the fleet berthed on the island for the night of Monday 21 May before attacking the most arduous segment of the week the following day.
A 300-nautical mile adventure around the volcanic, UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands awaits. The overall winner of this last section will take the plaudits at the finish line back in Capri, receiving the coveted Rolex Trophy and timepiece.
Of the 22 registered entrants, 11 different nationalities are represented. As is form at an International Maxi Association event, there is a significant presence of Swan yachts. Six are set to feature who will be battle for the coveted prize for the top-placed Swan. The array of international crews also features Swan 60 sailing yacht Bronenosec (RUS) and Swan 60 yacht Vertical Smile (DEN). Twelve Italian crews complete the roster including Marco Rodolfi’s elegant Swan 80 superyacht Berenice Bis featuring a crew that performed both at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2011.
A fascinating contest is in a full swing, comprising a finely-matched, balanced fleet with navigators and tacticians – including former America’s Cup sailors of the calibre of Tommaso Chieffi on board the Bronenosec yacht.
Swan entries:
@robas, Swan 60, Gérard Logel
Berenice Bis, Swan 80, Marco Rodolfi
Bronenosec, Swan 60, St. Petersburg Yacht Club
Plis Play, Swan 80
Shirlaf, Swan 65, Giuseppe Puttini
Vertical Smile, Swan 60, Peter Lerbrandt
