Loris Capirossi, motorcycling on water

NEWS	PHOTOGALLERY

A child who dreamed about motorbikes and speed. A young lad who sweated, strained and risked his neck. A grown man who became a champion, won the world title three times, has competed in over 300 races, and never ceases to amaze. Loris Capirossi’s story is a mix of adventure and simplicity. We met the world champion at the Yacht Club de Monaco as he took delivery of his new yacht, a Mochi Craft, Long Range 23.

You’re the king of speed. We’d have expected to find you aboard a cigarette rather than an eco-chic expedition boat…
Ah yes! (laughs). But it’s not really a contradiction. I race so much for work that when I’m at sea, I just want peace and quiet. Then, of course, this boat isn’t as slow as you’d think at all in reality. We easily make 20 knots.

So tell us about yourself and your nautical side.
Strangely enough, I didn’t get it from any of my relatives but even as a little boy I was fascinated by boats and I always tried to get my hands on them. The first was a 25 hp outboard, I was always in it. Then I got my first small motorboats to go a little faster and then bigger opens once I was grew up. Now I’ve got a Mochi Craft Long Range 23 and I love it.

So it’s been a process of maturation and awareness…
Yes, it has been. I am getting more and more into living the sea naturally. I’ve been racing professionally for over 20 yeas now: when I’m on holiday though I really need to totally chill out and go into another dimension, and this boat allows me do that.

What did you like so much about the Mochi Craft Long Range 23?
I tracked the entire construction process right from the very start – from the presentation of the design, in fact. I went to Forlì so much I actually became friends with Norberto Ferretti! What really got me straight off though was the hybrid propulsion. The Mochi Craft Long Range 23 is about as evolved a boat as exists right now in terms of environmental protection, which is a big topic here in Monte Carlo. I am a member of Accobams, an organisation that fights to preserve marine biodiversity.

So your background in the engine world really did influence your decision…
Exactly. The Zero Emission Mode hybrid propulsion system developed by Advanced Yacht Technology, the Ferretti Group’s research and design facility, combines the reliability of a traditional diesel system with the ability to run at zero emissions thanks to two synchronised electric motors. The latter are powered by a bank of lithium ion batteries – the most advanced technology there is today. With five different Ferretti-patented propulsion modes, the boat was awarded Green Star Clean Energy and Clean Propulsion by Rina – that’s the highest environment standard applicable to pleasure boats. It means that I can hang out in a boat for several hours and keep all the onboard systems going in complete silence and in contact with nature, without causing any pollution whatsoever.

Could you describe the rest of the boat to us very quickly please?
First and foremost, much as I love lobster-style boats, the last word in the purchase of a boat is always down to the woman in your life. Fortunately my wife loved this one. And you can see why: we have exceptional liveability in a 75’ hull. The aft glass door can be completely removed and the saloon on the main deck just melds with the al fresco cockpit. And look at the saloon windows: you have 360-degree views of the sea. It’s marvellous! There are no dividing bulkheads in the dinette so it’s very convivial. The family has very comfortable, practical spaces to live in – my ideal.

Do you always holiday with your family?
Absolutely. My son is three years old and I’ve had gates put in in areas he really shouldn’t have access to but otherwise I just can’t wait to cast off with him and my wife.

What about the crew?
I do it all on my own. Maybe there’ll be a young lad to give me a hand but as a rule I like to be independent. There are five steering positions on the Long Range 23. And I am a driver after all.

What are your favourite destinations?
Monte Carlo, where we’ve lived for years, is wonderful. It’s an hour from so many great spots: coves, bays, gulfs, islands. Lérins, for instance. Down the anchor there and you’re already in paradise.

So none of the family gets seasick?
No, but it would be tough to as we have the Fer.Wey (Ferretti Wave Efficient Yacht) trans-planing hull and an anti-roll system so the trim is always perfectly horizontal even at quick fast speeds.

Have you never thought of competing?
I tried the Cigarettes once as a guest of Luca Ferrari, Norberto Ferretti’s relative. He’s been offshore world champion several times. But it wasn’t for me: I like to enjoy the sea at my own pace.

What kind of outlook is there for a young lad wanting to make a career out of motorbike racing?
You can start off by going to clubs set up for mini-motorbikes: they’re not expensive and kids learn a lot. It’s later that problems begin. It’s a very costly sport and it’s all on the competitor. I owe my parents everything – they made sacrifices and went into debt to allow me follow my dream.

So is your son going to be a sailor or a motorbike rider?
I hope he won’t be a bike rider! But he’ll have to do whatever he loves.

Do you have to work out a lot?
Unfortunately the older I get, the more I have to work out. Plus I like my food. But I’ve got great trainers. I do five sessions a week.

Where are you thinking of going cruising?
I can’t wait to finish the racing season and cast off with my wife and son. We’re heading for Porquerolles. But the Long Range 23 has a 15-day range so who knows where we’ll decide to go. I’m putting a little pool in on the upper deck for my son. But I have to confess something…

Go on, tell us.
You see that crane over there? Well, we’ve made room aboard for a motorbike…

Andrea B. Nardi