Meanwhile in Valencia... AUDI Q8 TP52 ready to set sail

Yet another TP52 is ready to hit the water in view of the 2009 AUDI MedCup season. Ricardo Simoneschi's AUDI Q8 was lowered yesterday on the water and it looked as if she was ready for her first test sail in Valencia. The 2008 season Italian yacht was modified during the winter and arrived in Valencia a few weeks ago.

With the curtain-raising event in Alicante in 10 days, 10 of the 13 participating TP52 yachts are or will shortly be in Valencia. Already present here are Desafío, Quantum, AUDI Q8, Synergy, Valars, Matador, Pisco Sour and the new Swiss team. Last but certainly not least, the increasing activity in the Emirates Team NZ points to the imminent arrival of their brand new yacht as well as the 2009 Artemis.

The freshly modified AUDI Q8 TP52 ready for her maiden sail. Valencia, 1 May 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The freshly modified AUDI Q8 TP52 ready for her maiden sail. Valencia, 1 May 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The freshly modified AUDI Q8 TP52 ready for her maiden sail. Valencia, 1 May 2009. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing