Michele Ivaldi (ITA) five years on Gladiator

You are back on Gladiator and now have long years of experience with the TP52 Class, what are your feelings here in Capri?

“ The season seems to be off to a good start with nine boats racing herem a record since MedCup days so the best fleet in recent years. If we look back to days when we have sailed with five boats it is a sign of an important recovery.

The pontoons are buzzing with talk of new boats and new projects aren’t they?

“ It is the only class that has remained at a high level with a good group of top professionals but where there is still the opportunity for design and still the owner can steer and be competitive, or choose not to, and so it remains a great class to sail in. And form what I hear there are at least three or four new boats in the offing and so next year really is looking good.

What do you think of the new changes to the class for the future?

“ The changes that have been made are in the right direction also keeping the TP52 competitive in other rules and events is all very positive, and the older boats are staying competitive as well and so the class seems to have chosen the right course.

The arrival of the main sponsor Barclays adds something more with a brand which is well regarded including their association with sports like football?

“ Of course any help to the circuit is important adding more prestige to the regattas. The professionalism demonstrated of the circuit and event organisers is obvious and this is good for the circuit and the class.

Capri is a charming location, it’s nice to be back here?

“ I have missed Capri, I’ve not been here for a few years, and so it is nice to be back here, with the obligatory stop by at Aldos for a sandwich. The conditions here are typical of May on Capri you have to wait for the breeze in the afternoon in order to go racing but the beautiful scenery makes the waiting OK, it is the jewel in the Mediterranean.

Tell us about your boat, Gladiator:

“ Well the opening day proved difficult, we have a new tactician (Tom Slingsby) and so we have to get used to that, to the processes and getting to know each others ways. But for sure the boat is very fast. And I have sailed on Gladiator now for five years since when it was Artemis and it is very fast in light airs. So I think we will get better and will be satisfied.