Maxi Rolex Cup 2009 Porto Cervo

I have stayed overnight on the 7th of September near Porto Cervo during my trip from Kefalonia to Cannes two weeks ago. In the morning we set to move through the Bonafacio Strait to Cannes. As we moved towards Porto Cervo in a windy day I saw several large yachts sailing towards our route. In a short moment we found ourselves among some of the most outstanding large yachts of the World and literally had to move out of their way. This ended up in several nice pictures, which I want to share in the attached posts. Although this is not a sailing site, I hope you will enjoy the pictures of these magnificent sailing machines.

Perini Navi and Jongert

The wind was blowing over 30 knots and while we were at the shelter of the Islands we came accross this Perini Navi and in the open sea there was an Azimut 85 making good way. Then we came across the Jongert, which I presume is the 1st 40 meter Jongert.

Then all of a sudden in the horizon I've seen some large sailing yachts approaching us.

Rolex Cup

Then they started to approach us.

Here they come!

They had full sail in spite of the strong winds.

More pictures.

And more..

Still more to come..

More pictures..

I hope you enjoy the pictures, some more to come..

It was a fantasy to be able to come so close to a major race scene. Of course we were the only ones around.

I couldn't help myself to take more pictures..

The boat with the blue hull in the previous post

was Gliss of Royal Huisman.

More Gliss and the photo journalists boat. At this instance, we crossed over into the bay and took a prime position to let them parade in front of us as they come into the bay. Maltese Falcon was also in the area. Most probably had guest on board, who were also witnessing the race at close view. She was also flying her sails and the racing yachts coming back into the bay start flying their spinnakers. What a nice view!

They were coming into the bay with spinnakers up and Maltese Falcon is setting the sails one by one.

It didn't take long for Maltese to have all the sails up and she was in full gear sailing together with the rest of the boats.

They paraded one by one.. Maltese at this point left the lane and went for anchorage.

As they approach the finish line we could sense tension was building..

I had the chance to take some close ups as well.