Performance grand prix

New regatta to be run in Corsica by YC Italiano and YC de France

The Performance Yacht Grand Prix is a new regatta that is set to attract some of the world's most hi-tech racing yachts to the Mediterranean this September. A joint initiative between the Yacht Club Italiano and the Yacht Club de France, the organisers have planned five days of competition around the new generation of high-performance yachts built over the past few years.

Dr Carlo Croce, president of the Yacht Club Italiano (YCI): "This event will primarily be a showcase for fast yachts, innovative design, the latest technology and exciting sailing. Whilst we are supportive of all forms of keelboat racing, we have created this regatta
to cater solely for the needs of the modern performance racers."

The organisers are in the process of finalising the entry criteria and handicap systems to be used for the inaugural event, but Dr Croce indicated that there will be minimum performance criteria stipulated with which yachts must comply.

The first staging of The Performance Yacht Grand Prix‚ will be from 2-7 September 2003.

The venue chosen is the beautiful Mediterranean port of Bonifacio on the southern tip of Corsica which will remain the venue for the first three years. "We have chosen Bonifacio for two main reasons" said Dr. Croce. "First is the port's natural beauty and atmosphere
which has extended a warm welcome to sailors for centuries. It is a dramatic, fresh and exciting venue to stage such a regatta and the town could not be more supportive. Second, the Straights of Bonifacio are renowned for sunshine, strong breezes and fast, blue water sailing, the perfect stage for us to showcase high performance yachts"".

Such is the YCI‚s interest in the area, they are planning to open a summer station‚ there before the event.

The YCI is staging the event in cooperation with the prestigious Yacht Club de France. The Club's President, Mr Pierre-Paul Heckly, is an enthusiastic supporter: "The Yacht Club Italiano is making a bold step in launching this new event, and our Club is proud to support them. The global trend in all forms of sailing is undoubtedly moving towards providing greater performance and speed on the water, and I am pleased to be promoting performance yachts through this new competition".

Several international yacht manufacturers have already expressed interest in supporting the regatta to showcase their latest and fastest designs.

The Notice of Race will soon be issued and will contain details of yacht eligibility, class structures and the announcement of a title sponsor.

All event marketing, media and sponsorship development will be handled by The Strategic Organisation, in London.