Cartagena Trophy - Day 1 - Race 1: Matador scores first bullet

The Italian brainpower duo Bruni-Vascotto worked magic on Matador in the opening race of the Cartagena Trophy. According to Francesco Bruni, tactician on the Argentinean boat, the key in the first race was to have a clear start and be the first boat to tack to the right and this is exactly what they did.

They were ahead at the top mark, in front of Emirates Team New Zealand and Team Origin, something that was not easy at all, according to Bruni. Despite the pressure by the New Zealanders and the Brits, the crew on Matador was confident of their tactics until they saw the kiwis gybe first in the first run. Bruni commented they feared Team New Zealand had seen something they couldn't see but decided to stick on to their plan. Not only did they stay ahead of the fleet, the move cost the New Zealanders two places at the leeward gate.

From that point Matador was able to further stretch their advantage and cross the finish line with a comfortable lead. Without any doubt, the recovery story of the race was on Luna Rossa. The Italians were eighth at the first weather mark but the decision to opt for the left in the first run rewarded them, allowing them to finish second. Team Origin held on to third place, putting the first stone for the overall lead.

Start of the day's 1st race. Not a brilliant start for Matador but still it gave them the opportunity to be the first boat to tack. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The Italian brainpower on Matador opts for the right side in the first beat. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Matador leads the fleet in the first weather mark. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Matador leads the fleet in the first run but the story of the leg was the incredible recovery by Luna Rossa. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Luna Rossa round the leeward gate in second place. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Follow the leader... Matador has increased its lead in the last run. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The first race has been an awful experience for Quantum that rounded the second top mark ninth. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Team Origin finishes third ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand. Cartagena, 25 August 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing