Barclays 52 Super Series - Azzurra in Palma for the 33rd Copa Del Rey

by Azzurra Sailing Team on 3 Aug 2014 Barclays 52 Super Series 2014 - Palma de Mallorca - The 33rd edition of the classic Majorcan regatta kicks off on Monday, the first one under the reign of Felipe VI, an accomplished and passionate sailor himself, like his father Don Juan Carlos. Azzurra will race in the third stage of the Barclays 52 Super Series, the top professional monohull racing circuit.

The boat flying the colors of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is docked together with her 'sisters' in front of the Real Club Nautico di Palma, ready for the battle start on Monday, August 4th. The first signal is scheduled at 1pm and racing will be streamed live with English commentary on www.azzurra.it.

The TP52's will race separately from the other classes in Palma, including the Minimaxi's, among which another yacht flying the burgee of YCCS is racing, Roberto Tomasini Grinover's Robertissima. Racing will conclude on Saturday, August 9th, followed by the prize-giving ceremony with the presence of the King of Spain, Felipe VI.

The Copa del Rey counts as the third event of the Barclays 52 Super Series that currently has Azzurra sitting third in the overall leaderboard with 38 points, a mere point behind second-placed Ran with 37 points. Quantum is holding the overall lead with 33 points. There are seven TP52's taking part: Azzurra, Gladiator, Paprec Recyclage, Phoenix, Provezza, Quantum, Ran.

The Barclays 52 Super Series will conclude in September, from the 17th to the 21st, on the waters of Ibiza.

Quotes
Riccardo Bonadeo, Commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda: 'The harsh law of sports teaches you to learn from your defeats and mistakes, thanks to which you return to savor the victory. If in the World Championships, on Azzurra's home waters, we didn't achieve the result we all expected, I'm sure the guys will redeem as early as the Copa del Rey, feeling strong thanks to the confidence the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has in them. I would like to thank our members from the Roemmers family, owners of Azzurra, for the commitment they continue to show in favor of the sports symbol of our club.'

Guillermo Parada, Skipper: 'We come to the Copa del Rey after an unsatisfactory result in the World Championship, we are therefore well determined to have a strong week, so that we have a chance at the final event in Ibiza, in September. On the occasion of the Copa del Rey we see the welcome return of Morgan Trubovich, a highly-experienced sailor who has raced with us in the past, therefore, a welcome back to the gennaker trimmer!'

Vasco Vascotto, Tactician: 'The 33rd Copa del Rey, on the eve of which we are, is particularly important as it is the first one with a new King, Felipe VI. The fact that the Spanish Royal Family has always been so close to the sport of sailing and continues to do so, is a great help for our sport and especially for the TP52 class, which has grown thanks to the initiative of Don Juan Carlos. It is nice to be in the Copa del Rey, knowing that Felipe VI has perfectly helmed CAM, right here in the recent past. In what regards Azzurra, we have everything we need to perform well and we look forward to a stronger breeze than the last regatta in Sardinia.'

Rod Davis, Coach: 'The Copa del Rey will be a very important test for Azzurra. After having won in Capri and the mishap at the TP52 Worlds, we know it's time we got back to racing at the level we are capable of. At this high level of racing, the difference between winning and losing is the sum of small details. It will therefore be a tough week for everybody, sailors, coaches and shore team. Only by knowing how to find all these small improvements Azzurra will return to the podium.'

Barclays 52 Super Series – 2014 Racing Schedule
20- 24 May - Rolex Capri Sailing Week
10 - 14 June - TP52 World Championship, Porto Cervo
4 - 9 August - Copa del Rey, Palma de Mallorca
10-14 September – Royal Cup, Ibiza

Azzurra
Guillermo Parada - Skipper and Helmsman
Vasco Vascotto - Tactician
Bruno Zirilli - Navigator
Paul Westlake - Mainsail
Mariano Caputo - Bowman
Juan Pablo Marcos - Midbow
David Vera - Pitman
Maciel Cichetti - Trimmer
Morgan Trubovich - Trimmer
Mariano Parada - Trimmer
Gabriel Marino - Grinder
Alejandro Colla – Grinder
Inigo Losada - Floater
Boat Captain: Pedro Rossi
Coach: Guillermo Baquerizas
Coach: Rod Davies

Owner: Mr. Alberto Roemmers