First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón in Palma de Mallorca

Yet another TP52 yacht takes her first test sail after the necessary modifications in order to compete in this year's AUDI Medcup, that is to add 150kgs of weight to the keel to compensate for the reduction in crew weight, move to a "square-top" mainsail with twin backstays, increase spinnaker area and adopt bowsprits.

Just like he did with Matador on Saturday, our friend and local photographer Jesús Renedo, followed the first sail of the Spanish King's TP52 yacht on the water of the Palma bay on Tuesday. Helmed by Gonzalo Araujo, the sole Spanish TP52 entry in the 2010 AUDI Medcup sailed for approximately 4 hours under very light conditions. They have changed to tiller steering, removing the twin wheels, changed the mainsheet system, extended the deckline to the vertical at the back of the boat, in line with all the other newer TP52's, and, at least in this first test, sailed with brand new 3Di sails.

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo



First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo

First test sail for the modified TP52 Bribón. Palma de Mallorca, 23 March 2010. Photo copyright Jesús Renedo