My Song regains lead in Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009

On the third and penultimate day of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, Pierluigi Loro Piana’s My Song has taken her second victory out of three races. Marco Vogele’s Gliss took second place while Charles Dunstone’s 35.7 metre Hamilton II came in third. The overall classification for the event, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with Boat International Media, now sees the Reichel-Pugh designed My Song move into the lead with the 32 metre Gliss in second place. The Dubois-designed Moonbird, which led the fleet after yesterday’s Race Two, has moved back to third place overall. Only four points separate the top three yachts and with just one more race to run and no discards, all is still to play for and no one can afford to make mistakes tomorrow.

Racing, scheduled to start at 12 midday today, was delayed for two hours this morning as the YCCS Race Committee waited for the 30 knots of Mistral wind to calm, as per this morning’s forecast. By the first starting signal at 1pm the prevailing north westerly wind had fallen to 16 knots from 290° and the fleet set off on a 29 mile course through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.

“It was fresh but not frightening!” was the comment of PRO Peter Reggio which summed up today’s conditions.

After crossing the start line off Porto Cervo the fleet sailed south to round the islands of Mortorio and Soffi before turning north and heading to Monaci island. After leaving Monaci to port the fleet turned back towards Porto Cervo and the finish line just in front of the entrance to the Marina.

Once again Wally Yachts held the top three spots in elapsed time with Saudade, Indio and Open Season respectively setting the pace today.

The fourth and final race of the event is scheduled to start at 12 midday tomorrow and the forecast gives more mistral wind of approximately 16 knots accompanied by clear blue skies and very high temperatures.

Following yesterday’s sumptuous beach party at the Romazzino Hotel, title sponsor Loro Piana has organized no less than two social events for this evening. Owners and guests will be attending a gala dinner at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Clubhouse while crews will be attending an open air party.

Fitzroy Yachts are Gold sponsors of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2009. Alloy Yachts, Future Fibres and Lufthansa Private Jet are Silver Sponsors of the event. IBS Yachts, Louis XIII by Remy Martin, Royal Huisman, San Lorenzo, Scorpion and Wight Vodka are contributing sponsors.

Overall Classification (Provisional)