Epic victories for Azzurra in MedCup Region of Murcia Trophy

by Giuliano Luzzatto on 27 Aug 2011 In the MedCup Region of Murcia Trophy it has been an epic day for Audi Azzurra Sailing Team who took two victories in the three races held in Cartagena.

The wind did not disappoint today in Cartagena and the race committee was able to recuperate the race postponed on day one. In the three races held Azzurra took a fifth place followed by two bullets. Although a poor start in the first race left the crew trailing and the end result could have been much worse than fifth place, the following two races proved the team's worth as they came back with two consecutive victories.

Everyone gave their all: perfect manoeuvres, aggressive helming, flawless tactics and strategy. Two excellent start at the committee boat end paved the way for victory in races which were by no means straightforward given the tough competition, choppy seas, strong currents and unstable wind that shifted numerous times during racing. The third regatta stood out thanks to a majestic final downwind leg in which Azzurra closed the distance on the leader Container before overtaking her just before the finish.

'A great day', commented tactician Francesco Bruni, 'first of all Vasco Vascotto's great intuition in the last downwind leg of the first race, which helped us to limit the damage from a poor start, is to be commended. In the following races we took two victories thanks to great work from everyone, from Guillermo Parada's starts, to the difficult tactical choices, to the manoeuvres where the crew were top-class. Naturally the boat being fast and well-balanced also contributed. These were two great victories achieved by the whole group.'

Skipper Guillermo Parada was tired and happy: 'Today's result leaves us happy of course, but I prefer to keep my eye on the championship overall and to continue sailing well in a consistent way because we want to finish the season knowing that we did our best and that we are continually improving as a team.'

Among the thousands of Azzurra fans who watched the races via web-streaming was Riccardo Bonadeo, Commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda who immediately called to congratulate the crew:

'Today's result makes us particularly proud, as does seeing the determination on the water of this magnificent Italian-Argentinean group of sailors and athletes who have elevated the name of Azzurra once again. I would particularly like to thank our member Alberto Roemmers who readily accepted to be the owner of this wonderful boat.'

Audi Azzurra Sailing Team is second behind Bribon in the Spanish event and in the overall classification for the circuit moves to just one point behind second-placed Container and three points from the leader Quantum. Strong winds are predicted for tomorrow, Saturday, when the costal race - worth 1.5 times the points awarded - will be held.

Audi Azzurra Sailing Team website
Audi MedCup website