Where the big boats (and boys) play

Thirty-seven international crews are expected to descend on Porto Cervo, Sardinia for the 24th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup running on September 1-7. Among the field are 13 yachts registered for the fourth Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship, open to boats measuring from 60 to 78-feet. This includes the two 72-ft former winners of the competition: Niklas Zennstrom’s Rán 2 (GBR), triumphant in 2010 and 2011, and defending champion Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente (USA). Both fresh from competing virtually side-by-side in the Rolex Fastnet Race. – Full report/photos