“Words of the winners” – line honours: Pendragon of Nicola Paoleschi

The big surprise of the 151 Miglia 2016, a first place in real time ahead of larger boats with internationally renowned sailors. We are talking about Pendragon, the maxi yacht of 70’ designed by Laurie Davidson owned by Nicola Paoleschi, arrived in Punta Ala with a lead of over 2 minutes ahead of My Song of Pier Luigi Loro Piana. Not only he is one of the firsts of the last edition, Paoleschi is also one of the most devoted owners of the 151 Miglia, presumably both because he is from Versilia and because his crew’s Tuscan origin. Here’s what he told us when we tried to rewind the tape back to June 2 of last year.

Compared to the other regattas you partecipated to, how was your 151 Miglia?
It was definitely an exciting race with very unstable weather conditions and forecasts that made navigation and tactical choices difficult. The increasingly higher level of the participants, in addition to the new record number of registrations, has by now made this regatta a prestigious classic in offshore racing.

From the point of view of tactics, what was your winning move?
In my opinion, the most complicated passage is the one around Elba, where the fastest boats approach by night or at dawn; since they have to choose whether to pass by close to the coast or stay wide (a key moment of the navigation). Last year we were able to stay in the wind and out of the calms that are created off-shore without any warning. The low visibility during the night that limits the perception of the changing ventilation certainly does not help.

Can you point out a critical moment and a particularly exciting one of 151 Miglia 2016?
The most critical passage was the one by Giraglia, with a sudden drop in wind and the residual wave from the west that made navigation around the lighthouse difficult. On the other hand, passing by Elba quickly was a more positive experience.

For an owner aiming for victory when preparation for the 151 Miglia starts?
Like all regattas, the 151 Miglia begins on shore, months before the start, when decisions are made on which sails to add or modify and how to optimize the crew, which, in the end, is always the “true motor” of the boat.

What does winning the 151 Miglia mean for you?
For me and the boys aboard, 151 Miglia gives a great opportunity to meet again our friends after winter and to restart with a race but also with navigation through beautiful scenery, with lots of memories. Islands and passages along the coast where we are passing by often but at the moment of the regatta appear so different and full of new sensations. Personally, I think that it is the best regatta of the season and so racing successfully was a great joy.

Are you planning to participate in the next edition? If yes, what is your main goal?
Yes, we will definitely be there. I am sure that on the starting line we will find more and more boats with always growing performance. In this case, experience shows that the only realistic goal is to try to do well, especially when you have a crew connected by friendship and passion. Then if we set the right tactics and luck will be on our side, we can hope for a good result.