Maltese Falcon sails to overall victory in Perini Navi Cup

After three consecutive wins throughout the seventh edition of the Perini Navi Cup, 88-metre (288-foot) Maltese Falcon powered to overall victory.

The event held at the Yacht Club Costa Smerelda in Porto Cervo, also saw the triple-masted DynaRig yacht top the eight-strong Corinthian Spirit class, ahead of 52-metre (170-foot) Tamsen in second and recently refitted Spirit of the C's in third.

In the four-strong Cruiser Racer class, which allowed yachts to fly spinnakers, 50-metre (164-foot) Silencio took top spot ahead of Seahawk and Victoria A.

After placing fifth in the last Perini Cup held in 2015, Maltese Falcon was on a mission to improve her placing at this edition. The first day of sailing saw wind speeds of 18-21 knots and long downwind legs perfectly suited to the supersailer, allowing domination during the race.

Despite starting in second to last place on day two, Maltese Falcon was able to move through the fleet with her long waterline length against the much lighter breeze of 7 knots.

Day three proved the windiest of all, with the course shortened as wind speeds touched 27 knots, but Maltese Falcon was still able to cross the finish line five minutes ahead of second place finisher Blush.

Following the event Yacht Club Costa Smerelda Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo said, “This has been a unique edition, the characteristic Costa Smeralda weather conditions allowed us to complete the full racing schedule with three consecutive days of competition, allowing the Perini Navi yachts to perform at their best.”

He added, "I would like to thank our friends Lamberto Tacoli and Edoardo Tabacchi for this collaboration which has allowed us, in all seven editions, including this one, to organise a highly successful event – the perfect blend of spectacle on the water and ashore. Thanks to the owners and all the sailors who gathered in Porto Cervo over the past few days and thank you to the International Jury, the Race Committee and the staff for their essential and invaluable work”. 

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