The second Sail Talk of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is with Comanche bowman Shannon Falcone.

What is it like to finally be back racing in Porto Cervo?

Really nice, I have been coming here for many years for the Maxi regattas. The last time was in 2017, before the last America's Cup campaign (with Luna Rossa), a long time has passed since then. Being here again is a bit like a big meet up of friends who haven't seen each other in a long time.

What does it feel like to return to traditional boats instead of foiling ones?

Comanche has changed a lot, however I remember that the last time I sailed on her we went pretty fast. The sensations compared to the AC75 are very different, there are twice as many people on board and we are going four times slower. In these first days there has been light wind, these are not really the best conditions for this boat.

Which is more fun, the AC75 or more traditional sailing?

They are two completely different realities, they can't be compared. This is a boat for big offshore races although racing here, in Porto Cervo, is always nice.

What do you particularly like about Porto Cervo?

I have family memories that bind me to this place from way back in ’79, the Costa Smeralda always has its charm. But all of Sardinia is beautiful, for example Cagliari, where the Luna Rossa base is - and where I live, is fantastic.