Sardinia is the second greatest island of the Mediterranean Sea with a surface of 24,090 kmq. The coasts of Sardinia are generally high and rocky, rectilinear for kilometres, they are often articulated in promontories, with ample and deep bays and inlets surrounded by smaller isles.

The sea around Sardinia island is among the most beautiful and transparent in all the world. By sailing around the Island, the uniqueness of Sardinia can be appreciated. From the sea one can admire not only the long fine grained sandy beaches but also trachyte rocks, calcareous cliffs, granite rock faces and dark masses of schists. Sailing along the coast, especially if accompanied by the silence of a sailing boat, which characterises almost all Sardinian landscapes is ever present. The wind carries the aroma of myrtle, arbutus, rosemary and wild juniper and fills the cabin with sweet scented air.

Sardinia’s coastline is an extraordinary sailing destination with hundreds of private coves, stunning beaches and dramatic rock formations. Sailors are particularly attracted to the island because of its diverse coastline-from the dunes of the Costa Verde to the deep emerald coves and cliffs of Cala Gonone.

There are two winds in Sardinia that ensure the perfect conditions for dynamic sailing: the Sahara wind Chirocco and the Maestrale. The Maestrale mostly blows along the west coast, a very powerful west to northwest wind.

If it is your first time to sail in Sardinia’s waters, you’d better be a very competent sailor yourself or take an experienced skipper with you. Familiarize yourself with the area’s nautical literature and navigational requirements.

The second event of the RC 44 Championship Tour 2009 will take place in two weeks in Cagliari (Sardinia, ITA). Nine teams including some of the world’s best sailors will be pitting their skills on the short and sharp race courses, competing for the match race title on Wednesday and Thursday before racing the fleet regatta from Friday to Sunday.

Winner of the match race event last year, BMW Oracle Racing, will have team owner Larry Ellison back at the helm in Cagliari. The USA team will once again face strong opposition with match race world champion Sébastien Col (Ceeref) and Cameron Appleton (Team Aqua) – respectively winner and second of the season opener in Lanzarote last month.

Other teams will look for precious points on the Championship Tour, such as Team Sea Dubai, back in action for the first time this season with Marcus Wieser at the helm, or Maciej Nawrocki’s Team Organika with Karol Jablonski at the helm. Dean Barker (Artemis) or Philippe Presti (No Way Back), are other obvious candidates for victory in this very open contest.

Source: rc44.com, sardi.it