Set to start at noon on Saturday, August 21, the Palermo-Montecarlo Regatta is already building excitement in the yachting world.
The race is organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia, in partnership with Yacht Club de Monaco and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and has become one of the major classic offshore events in the Mediterranean since its inauguration in 2005.
Competitors are set to gather at the starting point of the race, the Gulf of Mondello, before embarking on a 500 nautical mile long sail towards the destination of Monaco.
Among the favourites to win this prestigious event is the YCM’s own Guido Miani, who will be joined by his son on the 100 ft long ‘Arca SGR’ as they attempt to claim their fourth title.
Circolo della Vela Sicilia President Agostino Randazzo said “There is a strong desire to sail and race. And the Palermo-Montecarlo, with its magnificent course offers unparalleled immersion into the world of sailing in the middle of August.”
Around 50 boats have already registered in the 16th edition of this highly anticipated event. For those unfamiliar with the race itself, the competing vessels will sail towards the Strait of Bonifacio, before navigating their way around the island of Corsica.
Once the coastline of Corsica has been navigated, each team will set their sights on the finish line in the Principality of Monaco. Have a look at the 2018 edition of the Palermo-Montecarlo Regatta below for an idea of what can be expected.
For the most ambitious of sailors, the record time to beat stands at 47 hours, 46 minutes and 48 seconds, and has stood since 2015. As well as a title, two trophies are up for grabs too. The first to cross the finish line in real time will receive the Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita Trophy, while the first crew to cross the line in corrected time will win the Angelo Randazzo Trophy.
ORIGINAL SOURCE: Yacht Club de Monaco
