Mutua Madrileña faces first major competition

The Mutua Madrileña TP52 team faces from tomorrow Tuesday its first races of the 2006 Breitling MedCup. After its official presentation on April 27, the crew has spent the last days working round the clock finetuning the Mean Machine boat, owned by Peter De Ridder, off the coast of Punta Ala, Italy.

The Mutua Madrileña, managed by Vasco VascottoSkipper of Mascalzone Latino – Capitalia Team
Click for more info and based in Valencia, faces in Punta Ala her first major race and that is where she will be competing with the rest of the 19-strong TP52 fleet till May 27.


The Mutua Madrileña boat ready to face the first race of the 2006 Breitling MedCup

Under the sports leadership of Vascotto, the Mutua Madrileña will be helmed by Peter de Ridder and include in her crew five sailors from Emirates Team New Zealand. They are Ray DaviesAfterguard of Emirates Team New Zealand

Click for more info, Stuart BettanyBowman of Emirates Team New Zealand

Click for more info, Jonathan MacbethGrinder of Emirates Team New Zealand

Click for more info, Tony RaePitman/Runner of Emirates Team New Zealand

Click for more info and Joe Allen.

The skipper of Mutua Madrileña Vasco Vascotto looks forward to this first race of the increasingly popular Breitling MedCup: “Mutua Madrileña is a leader in its sector and our aim is to be the leaders in this season as well. We look forward to starting racing with our Mutua Madrileña project and this first official competition is of uttermost importance to us. The lineup of participating teams is incredible and it will not be easy for us, but Peter de Ridder is a great driver and the team is fantastic".


The Mutua Madrileña team. Second from left, Peter de Ridder, owner of the boat, and third from left, Vasco Vascotto, sports director and skipper

Concerning the crew of Mutua Madrileña that will be present in the Yacht Club Punta Ala Trophy, Nacho Postigo - navigator and coach of the team for this race - commented: "The crew Mutua Madrileña will be counting on this year is a who's who of international sailing. We count on sailors from various America's Cup teams in addition to the vast experience of Peter de Ridder in the equally difficult reagattas of the Farr 40 class. I strongly believe these factors will help the team".