Copa del Rey - Day 6 - Preview : Early morning rain showers might complicate the situation

Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating with the organizers of the 25th Copa del Rey in Palma. After having suffered two cancelled races in the first two days due to very light winds and a delay of four hours yesterday, Palma woke up this morning under heavy rain showers that started at 7am and lasted without interruption for almost three hours. The forecast calls for meteorological instability in the bay of Palma, intermittent storms and overcast sky that might produce a repeat of yesterday's situation. As we are writing this, the race committee decided to postpone racing.

As far as racing is concerned, the TP52 fleet is expected to sail two windward-leeward races. Unless Ian Walker and the rest of the crew commit an unforgivable error and do not continue with their excellent performance, the Siemens boat is not seriously threatened and could be the first to win two events in this year's Breitling MedCup.

The fight for second place is far more interesting and exciting with 4 teams vying for the spot. With Tim Powell steering and Dee Smith calling the tactics, Cristabella has had an excellent regatta so far, having finished second in 3 occasions. One point behind, Rush Valle Romano could have been in a much better situation if it weren't for yesterday's twelfth place.

We only hope that winds start blowing, allowing us to experience the exciting TP52 races, with fast boats and real competition, where upsets in the leadership are the rule rather than the exception.