The TP52 fleet is already in Athens; Russian newcomer to make debut

[Source: Breitling MedCup] A fleet of sixteen TP52 boats has now arrived in Athens for fifth event in the Breitling MedCup, the Athens Trophy. Eleven of the yachts came direct from the Copa del Rey in Palma on the container ship Apollograch. Four yachts sailed to the Greek capital while Fram is due to arrive by ship later this week.

In addition to each yacht, the teams had to also ensure that their support vehicles and boats, containers and work units were all transported the hundreds of miles across the Mediterranean.

Part of the Mediterranean TP52 fleet at their arrival in Athens. Photo copyright Breitling MedCup

Chris Reid, boat captain for Mutua Madrileña commented: "An operation like this is never easy. Firstly we loaded the support vehicles, then the RIB, equipment and sails and finally the cradle and then the boat. The total weight of everything, including the boat with its mast still in place, is just over 17 tonnes and as the yachts are quite fragile, they need a certain degree of TLC".

Racing is due to start on Monday 21 August.

A total of sixteen TP52's are due to race in Athens. Fifteen of them are already familiar with the 2006 Breitling Medcup and are: Bribon, Cristabella, Santa Ana, Caixa Galicia, Lexus, Bigamist, Anonimo, Bambakou, Orlanda, Rush, Fram, Aifos, Siemens, Warpath and Mutua Madrileña.

Rusal Synergy, the first ever Russian TP52 team, will be the newcomer in the Breitling MedCup as their brand new boat was only launched last week. The first Russian TP52 boat was designed by Botín and Carkeek and was built by Latini Marine in Rome.

Rusal-Synergy, the first ever Russian TP52 boat, during her first test sail. Photo copyright Rusal-Synergy

Rusal-Synergy, the first ever Russian TP52 boat, during her first test sail. Photo copyright Rusal-Synergy

Rusal-Synergy, the first ever Russian TP52 boat, during her first test sail. Photo copyright Rusal-Synergy