First held in 1980, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup faces its 29th edition confirming its reference status among the large-length Mediterranean races... an imposing fleet of 41 ships with length between 60 and 144 feet (18 and 44 meters) compete this week for glory on the spectacular stage of the Esmeralda Coast, in Sardinia

Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the International Maxi Association, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is an essential pillar in the six decades of Rolex's relationship with the sailing world. The Swiss watchmaker has been working with the Club since 1984 and has been the main sponsor of this race since 1985... in its 29th edition, the test calls for more than 40 large films that will compete for five days distributed in five classes: Supermaxi, Rolex Maxi 72 Worlds, Wally, Maxi and Mini Maxi.

The return of the J-Class is an example of the pairing between the classic candle and the state-of-the-art ships. Two of the specimens that will compete this year are new creations equipped with the latest advances in sailing but based on original designs of the 1930s, a reflection of the passion of the sailing world to preserve the roots of sport, with modern interpretations of a classic concept. In its origins, the J-Class had about 16 fixed crew and up to 30 in competition; today, the technology allows to reduce these figures in cruise navigation, although in race they continue to need the hands of about three dozen sailors. The largest of the three J-Class that compete this year is the Svea, with 43.6 meters (143 feet), a meter higher than the Topaz (42.7 meters or 140 feet). The Velsheda measures 39.65 meters (130 feet), and is the most veteran of the three.

In Wally class they participate six units that contrast with the J-Class in length, displacement and crew, although like those they incorporate advances that are a whole reference in sailing. The Wally revolutionized the design and construction of large ranges in the mid-1990s. With elegant lines and luxurious and sophisticated interiors, they are as innovative as they are attractive. One of its last additions is the Wallycento Tango, launched in 2017, which debuts at its first Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. It is a ship significantly smaller than a J-Class (30.48 meters) but significantly lighter (47.5 tons compared to 175 tons of the Topaz, for example), shows the progress achieved after eight decades of evolution in the construction of sailboats.

The largest class will be another year the Mini Maxi, which concentrates ships with length between 18 and 24 meters (60 - 80 feet). The 25 participants will be distributed in two main divisions: Rolex Maxi 72 World Championship (six participants) and Racing / Cruising (19 ships in two divisions, 1 and 2). The Rolex Maxi 72 Worlds will bring together high-performance carbon machines, with no inner luxuries, equipped with the latest technological advances and sailed by professional crews led by their shipowners, who exercise at the same time as a timonel. The fleet is composed of Jethou, Cannonball, Momo, Proteus, Lucky and Sorcha. The winner of the category will be proclaimed world champion 2018 of Maxi 72.