Giovanni Soldini and Maserati are less than 500 miles away from San Francisco
Renowned Italian sailor Giovanni Soldini is scheduled to arrive in San Francisco aboard his sailboat Vor 70 Maserati on February 16th, and is hoping to set a new record from New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn; sailing an arduous and dangerous routh made famous during the Gold Rush Era. The 13,225 mile Clipper Ship route around the Horn has been called the “Everest of the Seas”.
This epic and exciting attempt at breaking the existing world record is currently in progress, with Maserati expected to make her triumphal entry into San Francisco Bay within days.
Giovanni Soldini and his international crew on the single-hull vessel have been speeding north off the west coast of South America, and have already passed the Equator.
The legendary racing skipper Giovanni Soldini and his crew of brave and distinguished sailors aboard the Vor 70 Maserati have been maintaining a torrid pace over the 13,225 nautical mile journey.
Consul General of Italy Mauro Battocchi has stated that,“This monumental sailing challenge dramatically demonstrates modern-day Italy’s leadership in elite sport and technology. It is fitting that this major record attempt is being made in this year, 2013, “The Year of Italian Culture.”
Soldini and crew at Capo Horn
Soldini and crew at Capo Horn
The best record over this historic Gold Rush route to California, widely traveled by clipper ships during the 19th century, was established by the famous clipper ship Flying Cloud, in 1854. The record for a single hulled vessel of 89 days and 23 hours stood for over 130 years. Her amazing 1854 record was eventually broken in 1989, and bettered again in 1998 to 57 days, 3 hours by Yves Parlier on board of Aquitaine Innovations. The overall record in the multihull category belongs to Lionel Lemonchois whose trimaran Gitana made the journey in 43 days and 38 minutes.
It is estimated Maserati will arrive in San Francisco between February 15th and 17th. Final arrival and docking plans are in the process of being finalized and will be announced as soon as they are available. L’Italo-Americano will be on hand to cover the arrival, and the official welcome to San Francisco by the Honorable Mauro Battocchi, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco.
Maserati’s journey can be followed live on her website (www.maserati.soldini.it). The site contains news, videos, and photos of the crews life on board, as well as weather conditions, and online tracking to check the position and speed of Maserati in real time. Continuous updates are also available on Facebook and Twitter.
Soldini’s challenge to set a new record is being sponsored by Maserati as main partner and inspiration for the boat’s name, and by co-sponsors Swiss bank BSI (Generali Group) and the Generali insurance group itself.
Others suppliers are: Vodafone Italia, telecommunication services and official website; Bulgari, official timekeeper; Boero Bartolomeo S.p.A. special paints and enamels on the hull, Murphy & Nye, marine clothing for entire team; Beta Utensili, professional tools; Corderia Lancelin, special ropes and cables; FPT Industrial, technical assistance with the engines; Jeppesen, cartography; B&G Navico, technical assistance with on-board instrumentation; Eataly, suppliers to the boat’s galley.
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