This week end in the port of Portofino it is held the Portofino Rolex Trophy. Created by the Yacht Club Italiano and Rolex the Trophy honours some of the classic designs that make up part of the long history of sailing. The event is open by invitation only to a select list of woodden classes. The confirmed entry list of the 'barca d'epoca' for the Portofino Rolex Trophy 2009 currently includes the 12-Metres CINTRA, VARUNA, EMILIA and eight 8-Metres including MARGARET, BONA and VEGA among others. VARUNA and CINTRA will be celebrating their centenary year, as will ORION, the famous 129' gaff schooner built by Camper & Nicholson (the wonder boat heading the port of Portofino in the pic aside), who will be in attendance as a non-racing Guest of Honour during the regatta. In addition to the display of classic yacht design on the water, there will also be an exhibition of historic wooden Olympic classes in the main square of Portofino. The boats on show date back as far as 1936 (Dragon) and the exhibition includes boats representing Star, Class A, Finn, Snipe, Flying Dutchman, Contender, Fireball, Flying Junior and 5.5M classes.
The Portofino Rolex Trophy is part of the Rolex Yachting Portfolio that includes over twenty world-class sailing events that take place around the world. Rolex is also the title sponsor of classic races such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart, the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race.
