In 2009 and 2011, both editions of the Perini Cup resulted to be highly successful and enjoyable by owners, guests and crew of the Perini Navi Group alike. Not only did everyone enjoy a first class sailboat racing regatta but also got to witness a one of a kind event.
Perini Cup, year 2009: First edition in Porto Cervo
In 2009, the third edition of the Perini Cup took place from 3rd to 5th September and was sponsored by Rolex, Axa, Marina Yachting, Acqua di Parma, Pommery, Icet and Audi. For the first time, the regatta was organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the striking waters of Porto Cervo played host one more time. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was founded in 1967 by H.H. the Aga Khan, Andrè Ardoin, Giuseppe Kerry Mentasti and Luigi Vietti as a non-profit making sporting association for sailing fans and with a view to promoting related activities.
Nowadays, the YCCS organizes many superyacht regattas, World Championships and European Championships for classes such as the TP52, the Farr 40 class, Veteran and Maxi classes, amongst others.
The number of participants of this third edition grew considerably due to the success of the previous editions. Eighteen superyachts from the Perini Navi fleet challenged each other in the sailboat racing regatta. The exceptional 88m Maltese Falcon (winner of the Perini Navi Cup 2006) was present again. The newest Perini Navi design was also part of this third edition, as well as the 56m Riela. Other participants were: the 24.5m Elettra, Parsifal III, Heritage, Phryne, Gitana, Klosters, Helios, Atmoshpere, Salute, Perseus, Felicita West, Antara, Andromeda la Dea, Heritage M, Ohana and Baracuda. The winner of this third edition was the well-known, triple masted and winner of the last edition, the 88m Maltese Falcon. In second place was the 64m Felicita West and in third place the 46m Antara.
The schedule of the Perini Navi Cup 2009 included not only the regatta but also social events which are always a very important and enjoyable part of the competition. Thursday 3rd was reserved for inspections, registrations, Captain's briefing and a welcome cocktail. Friday 4th was the first day of sailboat racing and in the afternoon an after-race cocktail contest took place at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Clubhouse. Saturday 5th was the last day of the Perini Cup 2009 in which the second sailboat racing day was held and later a gala dinner was organized were awards and prizes were given to all the winners and participants.
Perini Navi Cup, year 2011: The race gains a day
In 2011, the fourth edition of the exhilarating Perini Cup was held during the month of September, from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th. This edition differed from the previous ones because they added an extra day of sailboat racing.
The Italian seaside resort in northern Sardinia, Porto Cervo, was again the perfect location chosen for the competition to take place and once more the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was in charge of the organization. Companies that work in the luxury goods sector such as Axa, Marina Yachting, Rolex, Icet, Audi, Axa Yachting Solutions, Calvisius, Yacht Capital and Champagne Pommery, sponsored the event.
The 2011 edition of the Perini Navi Cup, open only to yachts from the Perini Navi Group, had thirteen spectacular sailing giants participating in three days of sailboat racing competition: The Maltese Falcon, Selene, Heritage M, Salute, Ohana, Fidelis, Felicita West, Perseus, Heritage, Principessa Vaivia, Panthalassa, Parsifal III and Helios.
During the first day, all Perini yachts followed a course of approximately 13 miles that took them through the canal between the mainland and Isole delle Bisce island. The 88m Maltese Falcon leaded the overall classification. On the second day of the competition, the fleet pursued a course of 24 miles which took them north to round Monaci island before heading to the Secca Tre Monti rock, past Capo Ferro, sailing south to Mortoriotto and then turning for the finish line off Porto Cervo. The final day of the Perini Cup 2011, was characterized by unstable winds that led to sailboat racing being abandoned. The final classification remained unvaried from the day before with the Maltese Falcon taking overall victory and winning the trophy for the third time in a row. The second place went to the 54m Parsifal III and in third place resulted the 56m Panthalassa.
The complete, varied and pleasant social programme is the main protagonist of every Perini Cup. In 2011, owners and guests of the fourth edition of the Cup took part of an on-board cocktail competition, a Pommery champagne reception, and a Rolex owner's dinner at the YCCS Clubhouse. The prizing ceremony was held in Piazza Azzura and there was also a Quadrivio Sgr Regatta Party.
