In her first appearance at the Rolex Giraglia, George David’s Rambler claimed line honours completing the 241 nautical mile offshore race in a little over 16 hours. The United States maxi was on course to break the seven-year old race record until the breeze faded on her approach to the finish line off the Yacht Club de Monaco. Rambler’s closest rival on the water was Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones’s Wallycento Magic Carpet Cubed. She finished almost 35 minutes later. With line honours decided, the focus turns to who from the 243-strong international fleet will prevail on corrected time to claim overall victory. The Rolex Giraglia, one of the most important events in the Mediterranean sailing calendar, has been partnered by Rolex since 1998.
Rolex Giraglia 2019 June 12 Stunning Start
The start of the 2019 Rolex Giraglia offshore race was one of the most impressive in recent memory. Sailing under clear blue skies and a favourable, building breeze the 243-strong international fleet offered a sublime spectacle. A testing and tactical 241-nautical race lies ahead including the seminal rounding of the Giraglia rock, the virtual halfway point. For only the second time in its history, the race will finish off the Yacht Club de Monaco in Monte-Carlo. The leading contenders to be first over the line include Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones’s Wallycento Magic Carpet Cubed, a past line honours and overall winner of the event, and George David’s all-conquering 88-ft maxi Rambler. They both have the current race record of 14 hours, 56 minutes in their sights. Partnered by Rolex since 1998, the event is organised by the Yacht Club Italiano and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. Rolex World of Yachting video above published Jun 12, 2019.
Official website: RolexGiraglia.com and Results
Notice of Race: https://www.rolexgiraglia.com/easyUp/file/10_bando_giraglia_2019.pdf
Tracking: http://www.sgstracking.com/live/index.html?id=234
Course (blue):
Rolex Giraglia 2019 Preview
The annual Rolex Giraglia has many facets. Part inshore series, part offshore race, it is organized and supported by distinguished yacht clubs, hosted in enticing locations and defined by a Corinthian spirit and intense, fair-minded competition. Its global standing has increased each year since its founding in 1953, as evidenced by the growth in fleet numbers and international span. The Rolex Giraglia is organised by the Yacht Club Italiano (YCI), supported by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez. They are both close partners of Rolex, whose relationship with the event began in 1998. Over 250 crews are expected to contest the 67th edition which takes place from 7–15 June 2019. This year, for only the second time in its history, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) will host the finish of the event’s most famous element, the 241 nautical mile offshore race.
Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. It naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and today supports the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas. The brand is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races, such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. Rolex’s partnerships with the likes of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Malta Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.
— Thierry CHABAGNY (@ThierryChabagny) June 10, 2019
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