The second part of the Rolex Volcano Race started today, not long after 15:00 local time. The fleet, including sailing yacht Bronenosec of Saint Petersburg Yacht Club was tacking the Leg One of the regatta – a race of 100 miles from Gaeta to the island of Capri, passing through the Pontine Islands, Italy.
Sailing yacht Bronenosec - RUS - Photo By- Rolex Kurt Arrigo
As the fleet progress and approach the half-way mark the route thus far has been full of pitfalls and the tacticians have had their work cut out as the conditions have proved particularly tricky and the weather has been characterised by weak and unstable winds. This afternoon, in fact, the lack of wind delayed the race start by 40 minutes. The absence of the wind God, Aelous had the merit at least of being the same for all competitors; as the yachts now approach the Pontine Islands, they all have to deal with the calm conditions.
In addition to the unknown weather, Bronenosec will have to deal with some of the fastest and more established Maxi yachts on the international scene. However, the excellent steering of Vladimir Liubomirov also Commodore at the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg, always committed to the helm, has pulled in a steady performance in the 5-6 knots and Bronenosec currently sits mid-fleet as night-time falls off the Italian coast.
As the breeze sets to build slightly overnight to 10-13 knots with little gust variation the Swan 60 yacht, engineered for performance with a hull designed solely for racing, will spend the night pursuing and recovering the miles on the leader whilst countering attacks by opponents before the fleet arrive in Capri tomorrow morning.
