Today was the first day of competition in the 32nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE. The wind has blown unevenly in the three race courses throughout the Bay of Palma, but allowed all classes to debut. “Jethou”, “B2”, “Rán”, “Natalia”, “X-Spain”, “Vamos Spain”, “Margherita” and “Turismo do Algarve” are the first leaders of the week. On shore, the attention has focused on the opening of the public Village at Sa Feixina. Tomorrow, the competition returns at 13h00.
A north-easterly wind of 10-12 knots received the fleet in the Bay of Palma in order to race the opening day of the 32nd Copa del Rey MAPFRE. Conditions have been uneven in the three race courses, but all classes were able to sail at least one race. The Alpha race course was the most favoured, where the X-35 and J80 were the only two fleets that managed to sail two races.
The first leaders of the week are: British “Jethou” in the Hublot IRC 0 class, Italian “B2” in Hublot IRC 1, Swedish “Rán” in Gaastra IRC 52, Romanian “Natalia” in G.H. Mumm ORC 1, Spanish “X-Spain” in G.H. Mumm ORC 2, Spanish “Vamos Spain” in Nespresso Soto 40, Italian “Margherita” in La Caixa X-35 and Spanish “Turismo do Algarve” in Mahou J80.
Hublot IRC 0 and IRC 1
Today the best out of the spectacular Hublot IRC 0 fleet was the smallest boat, Sir Peter Ogden’s 60 feet “Jethou”, who won with a 50 seconds delta over the also British “Alegre” in handicaped. The third place was for American “Shockwave”.
In Hublot IRC 1, victory went to Michele Galli’s “B2”, first on elapsed time and on handicaped. He was followed by Johann Killinger’s German “Emma” and Spanish Armada’s “Aifos”, skippered today by Jaime Rodríguez-Toubes.
Gaastra IRC 52
Niklas Zennström’s “Rán” has dominated the only race held today, and is the first leader in the Gaastra IRC 52 class. Ahead of Italian “Azzurra” skippered by Alberto Roemmers and American “Quantum Racing” skippered by America`s Cup Champion Ed Baird.
G.H. Mumm ORC 1 and ORC 2
In the multitudinous class G.H. Mumm ORC 1 (36 entries), just eight seconds separated the top three classified after applying the handicap system. The winner was Natalia Brailoiu’s “Natalia”, followed by Sander Speet’s British “Antilope” and François Duguet’s French “Axelle`s”.
Among the 23 teams in Class G.H. Mumm ORC 2, there was a new clash of titans between “X-Spain”, skippered by Iñaki Castañer, and Pedro Campos’ “Movistar”. Javier Banderas’ “X-Spain” is the first leader after beating “Movistar” for three seconds on handicaped. Third was Toni Guiu’s “Marina Port Vell/Sailing Control”.
Nespresso Soto 40
The only race sailed today in the matched Nespresso Soto40 class was won by Jose Maria Torcida’s “Vamos Spain”, followed by Stefan Jentzsch’s German “Black Pearl”. The podium was closed by the Chilean team “Mitsubishi Motors” who had an excellent debut in Europe.
La Caixa X-35
Roberto Mazzucato’s “Margherita” scored with a decisive victory his intention to defend the Copa del Rey MAPFRE title. The winner of the 2012 edition won both races today, and rules the La Caixa X-35 class with five points ahead of Javier Sanz’s local “Red Eléctrica de España” and with six over Alessandro Solerio’s “Lelagain” (ITA).
Mahou J80
The two races sailed in the Mahou J80 class have been dominated by Hugo Rocha’s “Turismo do Algarve”. The 2013 world champion in J80 is the first leader, ahead of José María Van der Ploeg’s “Factor Energía” champion in 2012, who scored two second places. Carlos Martinez’s “Deltastone” closes the provisional podium.
Tomorrow, second day
The regatta program continues tomorrow in the Bay of Palma. The Race Committee will attempt to organize three races in all classes except for La Caixa X-35 and Mahou J80, which has scheduled a maximum of two races tomorrow. The first start of the day is scheduled at 13h00.
Nespresso in the club, Village in Palma
On shore, the attention was today focused in the Real Club Nautico de Palma and the public Village. The club hosted this morning their “Brunch by the Sea” for their guests. The Village opens today at 18h00 with an intense social program which will run until next Monday. DJ Fonsi Nieto is responsible for opening the live performances with the best music at 22h00.
Photos by Max Ranchi see more of Max’s Photos here
See all provisional Results HERE
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