52 Super Series - Azzurra fights for supremacy

by Giuliano Luzzatto on 12 Jul 2012 In the third regatta of the 52 Super Series, the Royal Cup, Audi Azzurra Sailing Team got off to a flying start with second and third place finishes on the first day.

The team wrapped up the day with two optimal results, staying close to Quantum in the overall results, with just five points separating the two teams. The first race was won by the Americans, with Azzurra in second place thanks to a great comeback at the first windward mark, after a start that saw the two boats at the pin end. Immediately after the start, Azzurra was in the lee of Quantum forcing the team to tack, at which moment the crew demonstrated their pure skill and cohesive way of working to achieve an optimal result. Also in the second race, Azzurra defended the left side of the line, forcing Quantum to start at the Committee Boat end of the line.

This time, it was Gladiator's dirty air which hindered Azzurra, while Quantum was fourth at the first windward mark. The race finished with a victory for Ran, while the Americans and the team of Yacht Club Costa Smeralda finished in that order. Gladiator, however, was literally parked at the first leeward gate due to issues with their spinnaker drop and slipped to the back of the fleet.

Guillermo Parada, Skipper: 'It was a good day to tune with our competitors. Vasco our Tactician and Cole our Strategist, worked very well together, providing optimal support to the team, and our crew work was perfect. The boat is also going well and we are hoping to move into the lead, today we remained behind Quantum, but we are really closing in on them.'

'A true battle, as always, with the fleet close together,' added Vasco Vascotto. 'We were one place behind Quantum in both races. They missed their opportunity to extend their lead and we stayed close to minimize any loss of position. Today they gained two points on us, but tomorrow they will lose five! Our crew has capability to work closely together and we are competitive. We know how to learn from our mistakes and will fight to the end.'

52 Super Series – Royal Cup
after two races

1 Quantum Racing (USA) 3pt
2 Rán (SWE) 4pt
3 Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (ITA) 5pt
4 Audi Sailing Team by ALL4ONE (GER/FRA) 9pt
5 Gladiator (GBR) 12pt
6 Aquila (AUT) 13
7 Powerplay (CAY) 13
8 Provezza (TUR) 13
Azzurra website