Stella Maris Triumphs in Bonifacio After Three Days of Big-Breeze Racing

Stella Maris claimed overall victory at Round 3 of the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit in Bonifacio after three spectacular days of racing in some of the strongest conditions seen so far this season.

Competing in 17–25 knots throughout the regatta, the 15-boat international fleet completed a full programme of nine races, with three races sailed each day in a demanding test of consistency, boat handling and teamwork.

Principal Race Officer Mattias Dahlstrom, supported by the outstanding team from Yacht Club de Bonifacio, delivered the complete schedule despite the challenging conditions, allowing the fleet to enjoy one of the most competitive regattas of the season to date. All nine scheduled races were completed across the three days.

Race wins were shared throughout the fleet, underlining the depth of competition on the Mediterranean Circuit. Stella Maris, Stig, Black Pearl, Kalantis and La Pericolosa all claimed race victories during the regatta, with no single team able to dominate the leaderboard.

As the fleet headed into the final race, the overall podium remained completely open. Just three points separated Stella Maris and Stig in the battle for overall victory, while only a single point stood between Kalantis and Shotgunn in the fight for the final podium position.

The championship would ultimately be decided in the closing stages of Race 9.

After three days of consistently strong performances, August Schram's Stella Maris emerged victorious to secure their first win of the 2026 Mediterranean Circuit season. Alessandro Rombelli's Stig finished second overall, while Michael Wilson's Shotgunn secured third place after a closely fought battle throughout the weekend.

Further down the leaderboard, Lennard van Oeveren's Motions delivered an impressive performance to finish seventh overall and claim Corinthian honours as the highest-placed all-amateur team in the fleet.

The regatta also welcomed two new entries to the circuit, with Aspire making their first appearance of the season and renowned Mediterranean campaign G-Spot joining the Cape 31 fleet for the first time in their newly acquired boat.

New Team G-Spot

Off the water, Bonifacio once again proved why it has become one of the standout venues on the Mediterranean sailing calendar. From the dramatic backdrop of the limestone cliffs to the exceptional hospitality provided throughout the event, competitors enjoyed a memorable week both on and off the water.

The fleet was warmly welcomed by Yacht Club de Bonifacio and the local organising team, whose efforts helped deliver an outstanding regatta experience from arrival through to prize giving.

The result has also reshaped the overall championship standings. After three events, Alessandro Rombelli's Stig now leads the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit on nine points, narrowly ahead of Michael Wilson's Shotgunn on ten points. Bonifacio winners Stella Maris move into third overall on sixteen points, setting up an intriguing championship battle as the fleet heads towards Round 4 in Scarlino.

"Bonifacio delivered everything we hoped for," said Tor Tomlinson Cheney. "The racing was intense, the conditions tested every team, and the organisation from Yacht Club de Bonifacio was exceptional. To complete nine races in those conditions is a real credit to Mattias and the race management team."

2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit Calendar

• Round 1 — Porto Cervo, Italy | 24–26 April

• Round 2 — Puntaldia, Italy | 15–17 May

• Round 3 — Bonifacio, France | 5–7 June

• Round 4 — Scarlino, Italy | 10–12 July

• Round 5 — Hyères, France | 24–26 September

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Overall Mediterranean Circuit Standings:https://cms.cape31class.com/racing/series/12

The Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit now moves to Scarlino on 10–12 July.