Top 7 photos from the Southern Wind Capri regatta

South African sailing superyacht specialist Southern Wind recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in the only way suitable, with a spectacular sailing regatta. To celebrate this landmark occasion, here are our top 7 photos from the two-day event off Capri.

Southern Wind has launched dozens of graceful sailing superyachts over the years and nine of the fleet were present at the 2016 event. Among these were classic racer cruiser SW78 Whisper and reigning champion SW82 Grande Orazio. They were accompanied by a following fleet of four sailing superyachts, including 31 metre yachts Almagores II and Lady G from the SW102 series.

Arguably the most hotly anticipated arrival was SW102 Seawave, which was launched less than a year ago. Featuring naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design and styling inside and out by Nauta Yachts, this elegant 31.78 metre was the last to set off. She edged out Grande Orazio by 13 seconds to scoop the regatta title on her first attempt.

The owner watched on from a nearby motorboat, while his wife and youngest daughter were sailing. Crewmember and Volvo Ocean Race veteran Matt Humphries, said: “A week ago we didn’t know how Seawave would perform as a racing boat, but now I can say she has real promise in the world of superyacht regattas.”

The 19-mile course saw the fleet head counter-clockwise around Capri, taking in views of Naples and Mount Vesuvius on the first leg. Next up they passed Capri’s lighthouse and the Faraglioni rocks, before heading on towards Punta Campanella, and then back towards the port of Capri and the finish line.

And as this spectacular aerial shot shows, the visibility was excellent, even though light winds caused the second day of racing to be abandoned.

A perfect example of Southern Wind’s modern design and cutting-edge technology, the 30.26 metre Cape Arrow was a strong contender.

Launched in 2011, she is part of the SW100 series, which has an excellent charter history and fine racing pedigree, with victories in both Mediterranean and Caribbean regattas. Key features include a High Modulus carbon mast and carbon rigging, which results in excellent performance.

No Southern Wind event would be complete without regatta regular Farewell, hull number one in the SW100 series. Launched in 2006, the 30.18 metre yacht rolled back the years to claim a very respectable fifth place, just 12 seconds behind fourth placed Blues.

The owner was presented with a special prize at the evening ceremony to mark ten years since Farewell first splashed and the influence she has had on the SW100 yachts that have come in the years since.

This year’s event was particularly poignant for Southern Wind CEO Willy Persico, who grew up sailing the waters around Capri. “The return to Capri is a bit of a sentimental journey for me,” he said. “I grew up in Naples so these waters bring back many a fond memory.”

And the presence of the great man was very important for the owner of Illusion of the Isles, who added: “I came here with six friends to celebrate Willy Persico and his achievement. It’s really moving to be part of this celebration.”

When racing curtailed on the second day due to light winds, that left plenty of time for the owners and crews to celebrate this momentous gathering with more than a touch of fizz.

The final standings for the Southern Wind 25th anniversary regatta are as follows:

1. SW102RS Seawave
2. SW82 Grande Orazio
3. SW78 Whisper
4. SW100RS Blues
5. SW100DS Farewell
6. SW100RS Cape Arrow
7. SW100RS Mrs Marietta Cube
8. SW100DS L’Ondine
9. SW100DS Illusion of the Isles