Mini 6.5
Grand Prix d’Italie: The Mini 6.50 class has been included in the Italian offshore regatta calendar since 1995. That year, thanks to the stimulus provided by the new Mini 6.50 Italia class, with an eye to the future, the Roma x2, the Corsica x2 and the 500 x2 were pleased to see a number of Minitransats on the starting lines. The popularity with the public, who are always full of questions for, and curiosity about the enviable skippers of these ocean-going nutshells, meant that the Minis were more than welcome on starting lines over the next few years. However, while enthusiasts were able to follow regattas for Minis in French waters, and names such as Transgascogne, Mini Fastnet, Mini Pavois, Demi Clè continued to stimulate curiosity and envy in Italian owners, the limited number of owners and the lack of an association capable of organising events on this scale meant that the idea of an Italian regatta for Minis remained a pipe dream. All this changed at the end of 2006, when the newly elected new board of directors, and above all the President, Gianluca Pantuso, and the secretary, Beppe Facco, began to investigate new ways of revitalising and realising the potential of this sailing class, and to exploit the promotional and media importance offered by this type of regatta. The Italian Mini Class, the only one that is officially recognised by the French Mini Class that had been stressing the need to organise a competition of this type for a number of years, began to establish important contacts with the president of one of the most prestigious clubs in Italy Dr. Carlo Croce of the Yacht Club Italiano. With great foresight, Dr. Croce welcomed the idea with open arms, making every effort to ensure that the Gran Premio d'Italia Mini 6.50 became one of the classic events on the international calendar. The result of these efforts is a Regatta held over an unusually varied course of 520 nautical miles. The initial stretch runs along the coast from Genoa to Porquerolles, this is followed by an offshore section taking in the wide horizons on course for Giraglia. Once they have rounded the famous Giraglia, the competitors face the technically demanding slalom through the Tuscan Archipelago before reaching the island of Giglio, and then returning to Genoa, taking great care to avoid the numerous traps offered by the splendid but insidious islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The course is very similar to that used for the Mini Transat qualification rounds and is therefore very popular with French owners. The added attraction of the Gran Premio d'Italia is that it is held in a period when weather conditions can be demanding, making it especially tempting for owners who wish to test themselves, and their craft, under conditions that simulate the ocean environment.
From 17 to 24 April
Genova - Capraia - La Caletta - Giannutri - Genova
Information at www.gpi-mini650.comwww.classemini.it