The Ibiza trap!!

Go west young man! What was the best advice for a young American in the 19th century was probably the worst tactical decision a crew of the Barcelona World Race could make at the approach of the island of Ibiza before the first night of the race.

As the photo of Mutua Madrileña clearly depicts, the boats that decided to take the shortcut and go west of Ibiza and closer to Valencia got trapped in a difficult wind hole while the leaders opted for the longer but windier route to the east of the island, closer to Mallorca.

The Mutua Madrileña boat taking part at the Barcelona World Race gets trapped in a wind hole west of Ibiza. 12 November 2007. Photo copyright Maria Muiña / Infosailing