As part of the Yacht Club de Monaco’s sailing policy, a new boat has just joined the Monegasque fleet. Called Malizia, she’s a GC32 helmed by Pierre Casiraghi. Just out of the yard, this latest generation fully flying foiling catamaran is set to join the GC32 Racing Tour which kicks-off at Lake Garda on Thursday 26th May 2016.
Malizia: a newcomer on the GC32 circuit It was in the Netherlands at Zwaag on 8th May that the Monegasque team took possession of the GC32 before they head for Riva del Garda where the first of five regattas on the 2016 circuit takes place.
A baptism by fire for the Monegasques, it’s a chance to compete against 11 other contestants. It will also be an excellent trial period, notably to fine tune trimming with foils, the two wing-like structures under the bow of the boat which enable it to literally fly above the water.
Malizia symbolises the Grimaldi family’s deep attachment to the sea in this tribute to Francesco Grimaldi, a Genovese who arrived by sea in 1297 and founded the Grimaldi family dynasty. He was nicknamed La Malizia in the Monegasque language, meaning “the wily one”. For the Monegasque skipper the name has a special meaning: “Given what Malizia represents for us in the Principality of Monaco, I’ve always wanted to give this name to a race boat.”
Malizia: the youngest crew in the fleet
Pierre Casiraghi, winner of the Rolex Giraglia Race 2014 and Melges 32 Gold Cup the same year and 4th in the 2015 Sydney-Hobart, will be ably assisted by experienced sailors. “We’re the youngest crew and I am by far the least experienced on the circuit! I am so fortunate to be surrounded by a team prepared to take up the challenge.”
Among them is Sébastien Col, match racing specialist and regular participant in the America’s Cup; Boris Herrmann, a pure product of offshore racing and driving force behind this project alongside Pierre; Richard Mason who is equally at home on an Olympic dinghy as he is in the offshore Figaro; and Adam Piggott straight from the Extreme Sailing Series circuit.
Supervising them is Pierre-Alexis Ponsot. Winner of the Baccardi Cup 2012, a French Olympic team member and with a clutch of victories in the Tour de France à la Voile under his belt, the coach has bags of experience to pass on.
2016 a trial season
Pierre Casiraghi, who has been training in Riva del Garda with all the crew since 16th May, has the measure of the project: “We must be patient and take it one step at a time, as these boats are very powerful and quick. It’s imperative we take the humble approach.”
As if proof were required, when they tested it in Quiberon, “We were doing 24 knots, and as soon we started bearing away, within seconds we were up to speeds of 32 knots.” An extremely technical and demanding boat, safety will be
a priority for Pierre Casiraghi who is keen to invest in equipment development.
He continued: “This being the first season, our objectives are simple: to learn and sail as effectively and cleanly as possible. We can’t wait for the start!” Five regattas are scheduled between now and October, with the first in Riva del Garda in Italy from 26th to 29th May.
GC32 specifications:
Length overall (LOA): 12m
Length (hull): 10m
Beam: 6m
Mast height (above deck): 16.5m
Mainsail: 60m2
Jib: 23.5m2
Genniker: 90m2
Weight: 750kg
GC32 Racing Tour 2016
The GC32 circuit attracts the very best international multi-hull sailors. Regattas are held in the Mediterranean with stages in Italy, Spain and France. Number of regattas: 5
Calendar for 2016: 1st regatta: Riva del Garda, Lake Garda – 26th to 29th May
2nd regatta: Malcesine, Lake Garda – 7th to 10th May
3rd regatta: Palma de Mallorca, Spain – 3rd to 6th August
4th regatta: Sotogrande Cup, Spain – 22nd to 25th September
5th regatta: Marseille one-design – 13th to 16th October
Crew on Malizia
Pierre Casiraghi: Skipper, age 27, Monegasque
Achievements: – Winner in real time of the Palermo-Montecarlo 2013 & 2014 (TP52)
– Winner of the Cape2Rio Race 2014 (Maserati)
– Winner of the Gold Cup (Melges 32 Robertissima) 2014
– Winner of the Rolex Giraglia Race 2014 (Esimit Europa 2)
– 4th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2015 (Maserati)
Boris Herrmann: Traveller, age 34, German
Achievements: – Fastest German around the world
– 3 world tours (one in 47 days)
– 10 world records
Sébastien Col: Mainsheet, age 38, French
Achievements: – Match Racing World Vice-Champion in 2008
– Melges 24 World Champion in 2004
– Match Racing European Champion
– Melges 24 European Champion
– Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre 2015
– America’s Cup 2000 & 2003 (afterguard)
– America’s Cup 2007 (helmsman)
Richard Mason: N°1, age 28, English
Achievements: – Under 21 European Champion in the 49er in 2008
– 2nd in the 470 European Championship in 2012
– 2nd in the Formula 18 World Championship in 2013
Pierre-Alexis Ponsot: Coach, age 41, French
Achievements: – Two-time winner of the Sailing World Cup 2009-2012
– Winner of the Baccardi Cup in the Star class in 2012
– 4 victories in the Tour de France à la Voile
– Several selections for French Olympic team
– Member of France’s Olympic Sailing Team for the London games
Adam Piggott: Headsail trimmer, age 28, English
Achievements: – Professional racer in the RED Bull Team for the Extreme Sailing Series (preparatory trials for the America’s Cup)
