Friday was another long day on the waters off Porto Cervo and the 6-strong fleet of TP52′s and IRC52′s had three races in very light conditions. Although the breeze was much stabler than Thursday, blowing from the east with slight oscillations, the intensity wasn’t promising any fireworks. There was between 7 and 9 knots of wind but even if the photos might not be tremendously spectacular, the racing was very close.
The key in the day’s three races was to have a clean start at the pin end, ahead of the fleet and stick to the left side that paid most of the time. That was exactly what Azzurra did in the first and third race, scoring a second, a fourth and a bullet. Quantum Racing’s performance was less consistent giving the Italian-Argentinean team the chance to close in on them in the overall leaderboard. Again, similar to yesterday, special mention should be given to Tony Langley. The British TP52 helmed his yacht to a bullet, a second and a sixth, consolidating their third place overall.
The schedule for Saturday calls for a coastal race of about 35 miles, which could, obviously, be shortened if the light conditions prevail for the third consecutive day.
We spent the entire day onboard Quantum Racing and as one can imagine, our shots are only from that angle…
Sardinia Cup – TP52 Leaderboard after 5 races
1. Quantum Racing 1+1+3+1+4=10
2. AUDI Azzurra 3+2+2+4+1=12
3. Gladiator 2+3+1+2+6=14
4. Ran 4+4+4+3+2=17
5. Paprec Recyclage 5+5+5+6+3=24
6. Powerplay 6+6+6+5+5=28
Race 1
Azzurra had a brilliant start at the pin end and opted for the left side of the race course, clearly the most favorable one today. Quantum was close behind and her pressure on the Italian-Argentineans turned the race into a match race. Azzurra focused on Quantum and covered her up to the final stretch of the final run, leaving the room open for Gladiator to sail with no stress and find better breeze. As a result, Tony Langley drove his yacht to a well-deserving victory, sneaking ahead of Azzurra and Quantum.
Start of the day's first race. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Azzurra lead the fleet in the first beat. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Gladiator round the first weather mark in third place. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Juan Vila checks upon Azzurra that lead in the first run. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Azzurra lead the fleet in the second beat. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Gladiator has a good second beat and moves to second place, ahead of Quantum. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Hoisting the spinnaker on Quantum for the final run. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
It’s not what it looks like! Gladiator have sneaked ahead and snap victory in the first race of the day. Porto Cervo, 15 June 2012. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / VSail.info
Race 2
Race 2