The Maxi Cup should have started on 30 August, the Swans wanted to compete for sailing merits in northern Sardinia from 6 to 13 September. On 24 August, the Sardinian club announced that the Olbia Health Protection Authority had also taken swab samples from 101 club guests and 88 members and employees following positive corona tests among Sardinia returnees. Among the latter group, three employees tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the meantime, the number of cases at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has continued to rise.
21 yachts had registered for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, including the 43-metre-long foil Baltic "Canova". 68 boats wanted to take part in the Rolex Swan Cup, including the ClubSwan 36 "Pinta" of the new YCCS Commodore Michael Illbruck. The Leverkusen native issued the following statement together with Edoardo Recchi, the club's Sports Director: "We deeply regret that we have been forced to make this difficult decision, but since the beginning of the pandemic our priority has been the health and safety of our staff, members and guests. We hope that all owners and crew members understand this decision - a decision we never intended to make - but one that is aimed at the well-being of all."
It remains to be seen whether Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez can take place as the next superyacht regatta in the Mediterranean. From 26 September to 10 October, classic yachts will compete against each other in the first week and "super boats" such as maxis, wallys and large schooners in the second.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV
