The only Spanish boat is the X65 Pelotari Project by Andrés Varela, which competes in Mini Maxi Racer / Cruiser class

It begins on the Italian island of Sardinia, in Porto Cervo the twenty-eighth edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, which until next Saturday will face 50 large length to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organizer Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. It will be six days of intense competition on the paradisiac sardous coast, which has been hit by strong winds throughout the weekend.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is one of the most reputable races in the world. Conceived in 1980 by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, it is held annually under the organization of the International Maxi Association and since 1985 has been sponsored by Rolex, with which it shares the values of passion, excellence and incessant search for innovation.

The fleet will be divided into seven main classes: Maxi 72 (which are in the world 2017, Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship), Wally, Supermaxi, Maxi Racer, Maxi Racer / Cruiser, Mini Maxi Racer and Mini Maxi Racer / Cruiser (in turn divided into two categories). "This is the usual division of the Maxi, with subdivision in the most multitudinary classes to guarantee equality," explains Peter Craig, Chief Regata Officer. In class Supermaxi compete four teams that already know what it is to win in Sardinia: Nilaya (campéon 2013), Viriella (which with its 36 meters length is the largest ship of this edition), Inoui (2015 champion) and Win Win (2016 champion, design of the Spanish Javier Jáudenes who was chosen best sailing superyacht in the world in 2015). In Wally class he defends title the Wally 107 Open Season by Thomas Bscher, which has on board a large representation of Spanish regatists. Among its rivals are three other teams that have tasted the glory in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup: the WallyCento Y3K and Magic Carpet Cubed, and the Wally 77 J One, which this week celebrates 20 years of competition in Porto Cervo. The Maxi 72 will fight for their 2017 World Cup. The Bella Mente of the American Hap Fauth defends his 2016 crown against his compatriot Proteus (winner in April of Les Voiles de St Barth), the German Momo (winner in August of the MAPHRE King's Cup), the British Caol Ila R and the Italian Cannonball (winner in May of the Sail Racing PalmaVela).