New Zealand-Australia back markers at Superyacht Cup

by Rob Mundle on 19 Jun 2007
After completely dominating the racing on the first day of the Superyacht Cup in Palma, Australian supermaxi Wild Oats XI (Bob Oatley) and New Zealand’s Alfa Romeo (Neville Crichton) were reigned in by the handicappers today.

Both yachts were penalised one hour after their crushing one/two finish on Day One among the fleet of 52 incredibly large and expensive yachts that have assembled for the event.

On Day One they started 36 minutes behind the first yacht to set sail in the pursuit race over a 24 mile course. But yesterday they were still tied to the dock in the harbour when the front markers got away – they had 90 minutes to fill in until their start, so there was no rush.

Still, despite the penalty Wild Oats XI managed a top 10 finish in her division, crossing the line some five minutes ahead of arch rival Alfa Romeo in what was a very tricky race.

After a six-mile reach to the first mark Alfa Romeo had overhauled the Australian yacht and held a 14-second advantage, but that all changed quickly when the 15 knot breeze faded to a zephyr. Crichton elected to gybe his yacht in search of new breeze while Oatley’s team held their course and their nerve.

Alfa Romeo stopped while Wild Oats XI ghosted along, and from that moment on it was essentially a no-contest.

Wild Oats XI headed Alfa Romeo by around five minutes at the finish line, but both yachts had a scare close to the line when the wind suddenly increased in strength from nine to 18 knots and their lightweight headsails blew apart.

Today’s result gave Wild Oats XI fastest time for the fleet for the second day running.

The final race of the series, the Millennium Cup, will be staged tomorrow.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]