Gazprom Swan 60 Worlds - Variable winds test teams on day 3

by Jessica Francis on 7 Aug 2014 The coastal race on day three of the Gazprom Swan 60 World Championship at the Copa del Rey Mapfre tested the Swan 60 crews with 30 nm around the Bahia de Palma before finishing in front of the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. With a steady wind direction of 220°, it was the gear changes that were the key to success as the wind increased from 10 knots at the start to 13 – 14 knots during the race before dropping on the final beat to 11 knots.

Tommaso Chieffi, tactician onboard leaders Bronenosec explained the day’s race: 'It was a good day; we were almost leading at the top mark and we tacked on Swan 60 Petite Flame, our closest opposition but let Swan 60 Windward get to the right of us which meant they led around the first windward mark. They maintained their lead on the first downwind but on the second upwind we crossed tacks a couple of times until we got a bit of pressure from the right hand side to take the lead. Spirit of Europe were close to us at that stage and second at the windward mark just in front of Windward. From then on we slowly stretched away with very good crew work and boat speed.'

Alexey Kulakov, mid bow crew member for Bronenosec added: 'The day was long but fortunately we were leading from soon after the start; we had a good advantage upwind and then tried to stretch our lead for the rest of the race. The crew work was very good; that’s a big part of why we were leading. We were pleased with the result today; we are confident with our roles and starting to build a series for the Gazprom Swan 60 World Championship title.'

Dmitry Samokin, Owner and helm onboard Petit Flamme in second place overall explained: 'We had a long race, and there were a lot of things happening, changing places and a lot of tactical decisions to be made. Some of our decisions were good because we gained and ultimately we were middle of the fleet which I am pleased with for a long race. There are so many competitive sailors, fantastic tacticians and helmsmen onboard each Swan 60. We have found everyone is very ambitious and it is difficult to secure yourself a good place. I am happy we are still in the competition for the World Championship title and looking forward to the rest of the week.'

The mid-week prize giving for all classes at Copa del Rey Mapfre saw Bronenosec (RUS) collect the trophy with a seven point lead over second placed Petite Flamme (RUS) with competition for third place fierce as three boats, Tsaar Peter crewed by the Gazprom Youth Sailing Challenge, SGM crewed by the German Offshore Challenge representing the NRV and Spirit of Europe (BVI) are all tied on 21 points.

The Real Club Nautico Palma will host the annual white themed Owners Dinner sponsored by the Gazprom Swan 60 Class poolside at the club house on Thursday 7 August 2014, a relaxed and elegant evening where the owners set aside their competitive aspirations for an evening to enjoy one another’s company while soaking up the atmosphere amid a unique ambience and backdrop.

Provisional Results:

Bronenosec (RUS): 1 – 4 – 3 – 1 – 1 – Total 10
Petite Flamme (RUS): 3 – 7 – 1 – 3 – 4 – Total 17
Tsaar Peter (RUS): 2 – 1 – 5 – 7 – 6 – Total 21
SGM (GER): 6 – 2 – 2 – 4 – 7 – Total 21
Spirit of Europe (BVI): 4 – 6 – 6 – 3 – 2 – Total 21
Windward (CHN): DSQ – 3 – 4 – 6 – 3 – Total 24
Vertical Smile (DEN): 5 – 5 – 7 – 5 – 5 – Total Gazprom Swan 60 Class website