TP52 World Championship - Coastal race: Onboard AUDI A1

Thursday, third day of the TP52 World Championship here in Valencia, was the coastal race but as Paul Cayard writes in his report, it is anything but coastal. In fact, the coast around Valencia, up to 30 miles north and 20 miles south, is practically a straight line, with a very flat landscape. In addition, there are no islands, islets or even rocks to be seen anywhere, so there are very few options left if one wants to hold a 25-mile long race.

The race committee set up a course quite similar to the Olympic triangles from the 1980's with 3 upwind legs (4 miles each), 2 downwind legs, 2 reaching legs and finally a spectacular entry into the Port America's Cup. Conditions were quite good, with a breeze between 12 and 18 knots but choppy seas.

I was onboard AUDI A1 that had a very good race and finished 3rd. The key to the race was the first upwind leg and its big right shift. Matador and Cristabella got it perfectly, especially the Argentineans that led from start to finish. AUDI A1 was one of the boats that opted for the left instead but still got a good lane and was fourth in the first windward gate, behind Matador, Cristabella and Bigamist. Just like it happened yesterday and the day before, the Portuguese are unable to hold on to their good position downwind and slip back. AUDI A1 was third at the leeward gate ahead of Synergy.

The rest of the race was quite uneventful, at least for the three leaders. The rich got richer and the poor poorer. Matador increased their lead and the real fight was between Cristabella and AUDI A1 for second place but the Franco-German team was never able to seriously threaten their adversary and finished third.

At the back of the fleet, Artemis and Quantum had a very difficult day and struggled to go up in the fleet. A fifth place for Quantum means they are still holding on to their overall leadership but by a single point over Matador. Finishing fourth in the coastal race, Synergy now moves to third overall, ahead of Artemis.

The first and decisive beat of the race. Furthest to the right, Matador. The Italian brainpower worked its magic once again on the Argentinean yacht. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Approaching the first weather mart Matador had already a very comfortable lead. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Promising start for a good future? Weapon of choice rounds the first weather mark ahead of Synergy, Artmeis and Quantum. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Rounding the first weather mark onboard AUDI A1. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

From approximately halfway through the first run, until the end of the race, Synergy will remain behind AUDI A1. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

After slipping behind AUDI A1, Bigamist is overtaken by Synergy. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Quantum, and especially, Artemis struggled to find their form. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Hoisting the spinnaker on AUDI A1. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

For a good part of the race that was the main view ahead of AUDI A1. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

Sebastian Col checking upon Cristabella and Matador that are entering the port. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

AUDI A1 sailing into the canal. Valencia, 7 October 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing