The first day of the test event confirms the new Azzurra’s potential

by Azzurra Sailing Team on 1 May 2015 Azzurra kicked off the PalmaVela test event with results that confirm the performance potential of the new boat. The first day of racing at PalmaVela saw Azzurra start with an encouraging second place finish in the first race followed by a fourth place in the second. Winds were light and southerly in Palma’s bay and favoured the left side of the course where the land mass creates breezes and a good lift. Tactical choices were limited and risked cementing positions straight off the start.

In the first race, with winds at about six - seven knots, Azzurra started tight on leeward of Quantum. Interlodge with Dean Barker at the helm was on the pin and ahead. Tactician Vasco Vascotto showed his instincts for perfect timing and called a short tack to the right which put the YCCS boat second at the first upwind mark. Alegre and Quantum were right behind. The race ended with Interlodge the clear winner and Azzurra in second place followed at a distance by Alegre and Quantum.

A lull in the breeze looked like it was going to compromise the second race but then winds picked up again to about eight knots, still from the south. After the Wally and Maxi 72 Classes had their starts it was the TP52’s turn. Azzurra didn’t get a good start and then had to follow without having many tactical cards to play. Quantum finished first followed by Alegre and Interlodge. Azzurra recovered but didn't manage to finish in the top three.

Skipper Guillermo Parada had these words: “I think it was a good day. The wind conditions were very tricky and the racecourse was much more favorable on the left. In the first race we got a decent start and the boat was going well, in the second one I didn’t call a good start and that complicated our chances a little bit for the rest of the race. We were able to cut some space but didn't manage to pass so it was frustrating to be behind. But we were all together and we’re happy with the boat’s performance so we’re looking forward to the next three days.”

2015 Calendar 52 Super Series

• 18 to 23 May: Valencia (Spain)
• 8 to 13 June: Porto Cervo (Italy, Sardinia)
• 13 to 18 July: Puerto Portals (Spain, Mallorca)
• 3 to 8 August: Palma de Mallorca (Spain)
• 15 to 20 September: Cascais (Portugal)

AZZURRA

• Pablo Roemmers - Owner
• Guillermo Parada - Skipper
• Vasco Vascotto - Tactician
• Bruno Zirilli - Navigator
• Giovanni Cassinari - Mainsail
• Mariano Caputo - Bowman
• Juan Pablo Marcos - Midbow
• David Vera - Pitman
• Maciel Cichetti - Trimmer
• Juan Messeguer - Trimmer
• Grant Loretz - Trimmer
• Mariano Parada - Trimmer
• Gabriel Marino - Grinder
• Alejandro Colla – Grinder
• Boat Captain: Pedro Rossi
• Coach: Guillermo Baquerizas
• Coach: Marco Capitani