The Island of Capri is awaiting with baited breath the arrival of Alfa Romeo, Neville Chricton’s bullet. The 30,48 meter maxi yacht has collected 117 Line Honours (first to cut the finish line) and is soon to be in Capri for the Rolex Capri Sailing Week.
Among all the yachts taking part in the regatta Neville Chricton’s maxi is sure to steal the show and all eyes will be pointed on Alfa Romeo, not only because of the amazing speed she can reach (25 knots about 50 kilometers per hour), but also for the many sailing champions who will be on board. 15 Team Alinghi members, winner of the past America’s Cup, are going to be racing side by side with Chricton’s historic crew. Forty-six year old Kiwi ace Brad Butterworth has six America’s Cup campaigns behind him and has won four, the last two with Team Alinghi. He is the tactician on board and was part of the Swiss team’s decision making group during the 2007 America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain. Before signing up with Alinghi, Butterworth took part in the 1995 and 2000 editions with New Zealand and in 1987 and 1992 was a part of New Zealand Challenge.
Francesco Rapetti, also known as Cico, was the mastman for Alinghi in 2007 and 2003. In 1992 he sailed on the Moro di Venezia. Francesco is the only Italian to have won the America’s Cup four years ago in Auckland with Alinghi. Apart from being the mastman, Rapetti is also the captain of all the new boats of the Swiss team. This was his fourth America’s Cup campaign having raced on the Moro di Venezia (1992), Luna Rossa (1999-2000) and Alinghi.

Alfa Romeo Technical Details
Length Over All 30,48 meters
The 44 meter mast is able to withstand the weight of 10 Alfa Romeo 159 automobiles and the pressure of the 1.327 square meter sail surface. In order to harness such power Alfa Romeo has a second rudder under the bow, hydraulic winches and a canting keel that can reach a 45° inclination on each tack, moving from one side to the other in 7 seconds shifting the 9 ton bulb.

Rolex Capri Sailing Week
20-24 May 2008.
Entries: 56 yachts Maxi, Maxi Swan, Swan 45, Swan 42, Comet 41s, 45s and 51s.
4 days of Racing: 21-22-23-24 May.
The series is valid as the Swan 45 Italian Championship.
The series marks the official debut of the new Comet Class C45 Class and C41 Class.