Participants’ level is very high:
Francesco de Angelis and 3 America’s Cup champions are in Capri.
May 19th 2008 Capri – The Yacht Club Capri is buzzing with excitement as it hosts one of the most spectacular and gripping races held in the Mediterranean. The IV edition of the Rolex Capri Sailing Week takes place from the 20th to the 24th of May, is organized by the Yacht Club Capri in cooperation with Rolex and has become one of the top events opening the sailing season.
Stars of the international sailing world could be seen pacing the docksides today and as of tomorrow they will be facing off at sea. Among these top competitors Francesco de Angelis, Luna Rossa’s Skipper and Team Manager in the 2007 America’s Cup campaign who had also previously been the helmsman of the Italian syndicate in 2000 and 2002. In Capri de Angelis is on bard the Comet 45 “Libertine”, owned by Maurizio Biscardi, past winner of this regatta and of the Giraglia Rolex Cup in 2007. All bets are placed on this yacht in the brand new Comet 45 (C45) Class that together with the C41 Class is making its debut in Capri’s crystal blue waters.
Brad Butterworth and Francesco Cico Rapetti, respectively Alinghi’s Vice-President and mastman, have also made their way over from the America’s Cup and are crewing on Neville Chricton’s maxi Alfa Romeo. The team arrived a couple of days ago and has been testing the waters.
Along the docks the 19 Swan 45s are pawing the ground as they await to compete and crews have been training over the past week. This Regatta is also valid for the Italian Swan 45 Championship. Danilo Salsi’s DSK will have to defend the Italian title won last year with the aid of tactician Pietro D’Ali, winner of the recent Transat Jacques Vabre class 40 with Giovanni Soldini. Vittorio Codecasa, Swan 45 Class President, and his crew are just as fierce with Gabriele Benussi and Stefano Spangaro on board.
The spotlight also shines “Cuor di Leone”, Leonardo Ferragamo’s Swan 601 and on the Swan Maxi Class, Nautor’s Swan new endeavor that was christened at the beginning of 2008 and includes all Swan yachts over 60 feet. The class follows the owner-driver rule and made its racing debut in Portofino, abiding by IRC scoring. It is part of an international circuit that will end in September with the Rolex Swan Cup.


Yacht Club Capri
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