The European fleet of Maxis were in the Gulf of Naples for one of the major events of the season. After the offshore Regata dei Tre Golfi, the teams completed a series of coastal and inshore races off Sorrento. Often light winds and unstable conditions meant constant tactical adjustments were required.
Consistency proved key to Karel Komarek’s victory in Maxi 1. At the helm of V, he pulled off an impressive series of race results, 2-5-3-2-1-2, to clinch the European title against six other competitors. The battle was intense and went down to the wire with Joost and Laura Schuijff’s Leopard 3, also Yacht Club de Monaco members. Thanks to the latter winning the last race, the team secured 2nd place overall. A one-two finish that epitomises a Monegasque presence at the top of this category.
The Maxi GP category delivered an equally favourable scenario for the YCM flagged boats. Peter Harrison won on Jolt after a perfectly executed week of racing. Despite a more low key start to the championship, his crew gradually grained the upper hand to end with victory in the last race and take the European title.
Behind him, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati completed the podium with Django 7X. Thanks to a solid series of consistent race results he finished 3rd in a category where the level of the fleet remained high right through to the final day.
As well as the titles, this Maxi European Championship confirms the strength of the projects undertaken by Yacht Club de Monaco members on international circuits. With four owners competing, three boats in the top three of their respective categories and two European titles, it’s hard to imagine a better result.
YCM members dominated the Maxi European Championship, building on the momentum already observed in recent seasons at the major offshore and inshore events on the international calendar.
The 2026 edition once again demonstrated the appeal of the Gulf of Naples for the largest boats in the world. Between the Regata dei Tre Golfi and IMA Maxi European Championship, crews made the most of this spectacular yet demanding venue. A date is already in the diary for 2027. The next edition of the Tre Golfi Sailing Week is 14-20 May 2027 with the Maxi European Championship on the programme.
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