Luna Rossa leads Maxi Minis on opening day of HUBLOT Palmavela

The 20-strong Maxi fleet enjoyed a good set of conditions on the poening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela with sunny skies, 14 to 19 knots of southwestern breeze and light swell. This year the Maxis are divided into 4 divisions and their numbers are almost equally spread.

Among the ones that are of particular interest, 4 can be singled out. Firstly, the immense Esense, a 143feet Wally, mainly foe her sheer size. Then come Luna Rossa and Team Container, both Vrolijk-designed STP65 yachts, making the Palma regatta the first ever race two yachts of this class compete on European waters. Finally, another Vrolijk design, the 72ft RAN II, owned by Skype founder Nikklas Zennstrom, that was also scheduled to make her maiden appearance. RAN II finally didn't make it to the start line due to structural problems but organizers hope she will be able race on Friday.

Not being there we have scant information, other than that Luna Rossa leads the MAxi Mini division after scoring a 1st and a 2nd in the day's two races. Still, once again, the photos from Nico Martinez are spectacular.

Luna Rossa racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela, her first race ever. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela

Luna Rossa racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela, her first race ever. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela

Luna Rossa racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela, her first race ever. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela

Team Container racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela

Esense racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela

Esense racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela

Esense racing on the opening day of the 2009 HUBLOT Palmavela. Palma, 16 April 2009. Photo copyright Nico Martinez / HUBLOT Palmavela