(08-10-2006) - The 2006 edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (3-9 September), organized since 1980 by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, will see 49 of the world's largest and fastest racing yachts competing. This year's line-up smashesthe 2005 record of 37 yachts. The event represents potentially the largest ever gathering of Maxi yachts and a fleet that if lined up end-to-end would total 1300 metres (4260 feet). The competing yachts represent 15 nations and will range from 18 metres (59 feet) and upwards in length. The fleet will be divided into five divisions catering to the various design features and capabilities of the boats: Racing, Cruising, Mini-Maxi, W and Spirit of Tradition.
The Racing Division will host the most technologically advanced yachts and Australian Bob Oatley's Wild Oats XI and New Zealander Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo have both signed up. The Mini Maxi division, a new class which has recently been introduced by the International Maxi Association to accommodate yachts from 18 to 23.9 metres racing under IMS/ORC rules, will be one of the larger divisions with 14 competitors expected to take part. IRC rated boats will also race in this division, but with separate scoring and prizes. This new division will include a taste of the Volvo Ocean Race, with this year's winner ABN Amro One enrolled alongside fifth-placed Ericsson Racing Team.
The Spirit of Tradition division is often considered one of the most beautiful with veteran and reproduction yachts such as Holland's Annagine and US entrepreneur George Lindemann's majestic 55 metre (180 foot) Adela providing photographers and spectators with stunning images.
-- http://www.yccs.it
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