TP52 Alicante Trophy - Day 4: Mean Machine victorious in coastal race; Bribón first overall

After passing through the scoring gate comfortably ahead of the rest of the fleet (see previous story), nothing could stop Mean Machine. The 23 TP52's under spinnaker and with the southerly breeze reaching 18 knots headed north till the first mark. While Mean Machine and Bribón were comfortably first and second respectively, Mutua Madrileña and ONO had a close fight for third and fourth place. Platoon, helmed by Cameron Dunn, continued its advance and crossed the finish line fifth.

Nevertheless, the story of the day was Bribón great performance and first overall position so far in the Alicante Trophy. The Spanish boat has passed several of the big names and with 8 points difference from second Mean Machine, their first ever victory in an event of the Breitling Medcup is well within reach, especially if only one race takes place on Sunday.

It is also interesting to observe the disappointing performance of the three new Spanish boats CAM, Caixa Galicia and Siemens. Not only did they make the tactical error in the first stretch of the race and went to the right side of the course, during the last hundred meters of the race they also gave up most of the gained positions. While the fleet was arriving the breeze died in a matter of minutes and the little wind still blowing was favoring the right side. All three of them were again in the wrong side and were overtaken by a couple of other boats.

Bribón and ONO at the start of the second part. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Two other yachts at the start of the second part of the race, Siemens and Balearia. They both lost various positions in the overall scoreboard. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The top of the fleet at the start of the second part of the race. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Mutua Madrileña climbed to third place during the second part of the coastal race. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

ONO couldn't hold on to its third place during the second part of the coastal race. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The fight for 3rd and 4th place was hard between Mutua Madrileña and ONO. Here they round the first mark. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The recovery of Patches during the second part of the coastal race was impressive. The Irish yacht climbed 4 positions to 6th place. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Bribón crosses the finish line second and grabs the first overall place. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Aided by a late right puff, Cameron Dunn helms Platoon to 5th position, overtaking Patches. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Siemens yacht was stalled at the final stretch, giving the Team Astro the opportunity to overtake them. Alicante, 16 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing