Consistent and precise performance at the Maxis
September 13, 2009 19:44 0 comments
Consistency and precision were the order of the week for the experienced team onboard DSK Pioneer Investments at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup from 6-12 September. It was owner and helmsman Danilo Salsi and his crew’s first regatta in the Mediterranean with the sleek, carbon fibre Swan 90 fully optimised for racing. Following on from their impressive wins in previous years with the Swan 45 Danilo Salsi’s DSK Sailing Team has moved up another level to compete against some of the most impressive yachts in the world in the Maxi Class, in both inshore and offshore regattas.
On the water last week, DSK Pioneer Investments were the ones to watch and the team to beat in the Racing/Cruising division. The team’s seamless manoeuvres and comprehensive knowledge of the Costa Smeralda meant they were prepared and ready to tackle the diverse conditions which arose during the course of the Maxis.
The mistral brought heavy winds at the beginning of the week, which then tapered to lighter air by the weekend. Time and again, DSK Pioneer Investments took line honours, in the five races organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. With one 1st and four 2nd place finishes, the powerful Swan 90 was second overall on corrected time. DSK Pioneer Investments were just one point out of first place overall which was won by Filippo Faruffini’s Roma-Aniene.
“Our crew work was perfect. No matter what the conditions, heavy or light winds, the crew did an excellent job. I am very pleased with how we sailed, but we definitely need to work on our rating,” said Danilo Salsi.
Salsi’s team included his trusted tactician Andrea Casale (Fiamma Gialla/ J24 World Champion), as well as trimmers Vittorio Rosso and Alessandro Franci, alongside navigator Francesco Mongelli. Recent additions to the crew were Neil Cox (PUMA/ABN Ambro) and Nick Bice (Delta Lloyd/ABN Ambro).
Next on the horizon for the DSK Sailing Team is the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts on 17 October in Malta. The team will be optimising the boat and sail inventory in preparation for this demanding offshore race. From there it will be back to the Caribbean for DSK Pioneer Investments whose impressive 2010 programme includes the RORC Caribbean 600, Heineken Regatta, St Barth’s Bucket, Antigua Race Week and the Newport Bermuda Race.
