Presenting a game of speed, tactics, underwater obstacles, and double the hulls. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will make history this year as it includes up to five maxi multihulls. These impressively fast and powerful catamarans, measuring at least 60 feet from bow to stern, often outpace monohulls but lack the stability of keels. This poses a challenge at the Maxi Cup, renowned for its coastal courses that navigate the treacherous Bomb Alley.
Andrew McIrvine, secretary general of the International Maxi Association, referred to this inclusion of multihulls as an experiment. He noted that many maxi owners are getting older, and racing on a catamaran could extend their careers rather than clinging to the back of a maxi monohull.
Catamarans provide stability with their two hulls and feature a reduced heeling motion compared to monohulls. This makes maneuvering across the yacht during races easier. However, if the sails are not adjusted correctly, multihulls are prone to capsize. Regatta organizers were clear that they wanted to attract sophisticated racing-focused multihulls rather than cruising-oriented ones.
The multihulls will compete in their own class and may sail similar or separate coastal courses as monohulls, potentially setting up thrilling passing situations. Michael Illbruck, commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, sees the inclusion of multihulls as a natural development for the Maxi Cup.
Initially, five maxi multihulls entered the regatta, but due to a catastrophic fire and capsizing, only three remain. The courses around the Maddalena archipelago are aesthetically pleasing and tactically challenging, offering limited waves when the prevailing mistral wind blows.
Crew choreography becomes crucial in these challenging conditions, especially with the powerful forces exerted by the big sails. Despite the risks, teams are excited about the windy regatta and confident in their boat-handling abilities. Safety measures, including helmets, life jackets, and monitoring weather forecasts, have been put in place.
Navigating the northeastern coast of Sardinia requires caution due to submerged rocks, but the ability of multihulls to retract their daggerboards might give them an advantage in cutting corners. However, this high-stakes game requires teams to balance speed with safety.
The competitors’ goal is to have a safe regatta while pushing the limits to secure victory. Tight racing scenarios will bring out the best strategies from all teams, with everything on the line.
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