Four out four for Artemis in HUBLOT Palmavela

[Source: Paul Cayard] A very good day on Artemis today with three more bullets. It wasn't as easy as it looks from the score line. In fact, in the last race we were third at the last windward mark.

The wind filled in from the southwest at 8 knots around 1230.

In the first race we had a good start and led all the way. Matador was second, Weapon was third Cristabella fourth.

Artemis leads the TP52's after three more bullets today. Palma, 16 April 2010. Photo copyright Sander van der Borch / Artemis

In the second race, with the wind now at 10 knots, we wanted the left and got the pin end start. We flushed Matador out pretty quickly but could not cross Cristabella who was to windward. We tacked and crossed behind them by a length but later up the leg, the three of us came together about even. After some close tacks, we pinned Cristabella to the left with our starboard tack right of way and then tacked on Matador, who was ducking the two of us on port, to lead around the first mark. We went on to win by more than a minute over Matador. It was fun to mix it up.

In the third race we had our hands full. Matador led for most of the race with Cristabella and us close behind. On the final run, Matador and Cristabella got in a battle and gave up a bit of distance to us. The wind had lightened off to 7 knots so the gybes were expensive. We managed to win the race right on the line.

The boat seems to be going well so a nice job by our shore team and Captain Nipper.

Tomorrow's forecast is for rain and the sailing instructions are calling for short coastal races.

Artemis leads the TP52's after three more bullets today. Palma, 16 April 2010. Photo copyright Sander van der Borch / Artemis

Artemis leads the TP52's after three more bullets today. Palma, 16 April 2010. Photo copyright Sander van der Borch / Artemis

Artemis leads the TP52's after three more bullets today. Palma, 16 April 2010. Photo copyright Sander van der Borch / Artemis