Southern Wind Yachts were out in numbers at the 2016 edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex cup held in Porto Cervo

Six Southern Wind yachts were registered in the 27th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with the International Maxi Association and Rolex once again as title sponsor. A fleet of 52 of the world's most beautiful yachts sailed in the waters off the Maddalena Archipelago in one of the Med's most challenging and exclusive regatta grounds.

As a good number of Southern Wind yachts was registered, a dedicated SWS category was created. Seeing her regatta record, perhaps it's not surprising that SW82 Grande Orazio, designed by Farr and Nauta Design, predominated. Also racing in the Racer/Cruiser Class against a fleet of the most beautiful and competitive yachts in the world, Grande Orazio got two podium finishes. Returning to this area after an important win at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in June, owner helmsman Massimiliano Florio once again proved that his was the boat to watch.

The Irish crew aboard the SW94 Windfall, designed by Reichel/Pugh and Nauta Design, placed second in the SWS category, confirming their style as defending champions in this prestigious and highly competitive race.

SW82 Ammonite, the cruiser racer that was recently launched in Cape Town, had Peter Holmberg aboard as tactician along with many other Aussie pro sailors for her IRC regatta debut. She finished with a respectable third place.

Also in the SWS category was the SW100 Blues. Light wind conditions in the final two days of racing were not especially favourable to this yacht at her first time racing under IRC rules, but the owner and his crew of friends enjoyed their onboard camaraderie and the atmosphere of sportsmanship that characterizes this regatta.

Two other Southern Wind yachts, the SW102 Seawave and the SW78 Whisper, were present. Whisper, with her long string of super yacht regatta victories, was a "floating office" for the International Maxi Association. At the prize ceremony, held in a jam packed Piazza Azzurra, YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo said that, “As always the Maxi event provided a spectacular week. We were delighted to host this record fleet of 52 boats and pleased to note that many of the yachts were competing here for the first time. We faced some difficult weather conditions but the Race Committee did a sterling job. We will see everyone back here in 2017 for a very special edition as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.”