The Louis Vuitton Sailing Trophy takes place in Sardinia commencing 22 May, with 10 elite sailing teams set to race for two weeks on the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea off La Maddalena.
Racing is scheduled from the 22nd May through the 6th June. But teams will start official training sessions on the 18th May. The UK's Ben Ainslie will skipper TEAMORIGIN for GBR against teams from France, Italy, Sweden, USA, New Zealand and Russia.
“La Maddalena is among the best places in the world to sail,” said Vincenzo Onorato, the team principal of Mascalzone Latino Audi Team. “The waters are warm, the wind conditions are very good and the people of La Maddalena will be gracious hosts. I want to welcome all of my sailing friends and fans of the sport to join us here in May.”
La Maddalena is small town (population near 12 000) on an island with the same name that sits just one nautical mile off the north east coast of Sardinia. It is renowned for its beaches and its pink, rocky terrain and like Sardinia itself, offers up some of the most stunning backdrops for sailing in the Mediterranean.
The race village itself is set up about one kilometre to the east of the centre of town, near the southeast corner of the island. The heart of the race village will feature a big screen broadcasting all of the action from the race course. Crews will be in the race village interacting with the crowds during photo sessions, autograph signings and public press conferences. Food and beverage as well as team merchandise is also available, and the Louis Vuitton Junior Trophy will be contested by local junior sailors.
The easiest way to get to La Maddalena is to fly into Olbia’s Costa Smeralda airport from Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford and Edinburgh and then transfer by road to Palau, approximately 40 kilometres to the north of Olbia. From Palau, there is a short ferry to La Maddalena.
This will be an excellent spectator event as the racing yachts will be visible in the Maddalena Straits and in the waters off the Costa Smeralda. For accommodation in north east Sardinia and on La Maddalena Island call Just Sardinia, the island specialists 01202 484858 or visit and book online at www.justsardinia.co.uk
Click here to read the Louis Vuitton Trophy Press Release.
