Istanbul Europa Race. After 24 hours of racing, the first edition of the race holds its promises.
At the exit of the Dardanelles Strait in the early morning of the second day of competition, Kito De Pavant (Groupe Bel) has taken the lead over from Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) who was the fastest starter.
The introduction of the Istanbul Europa Race as 'the European regatta' seems to be true. It's a continual coming and going between the boats at the exception of DCNS. Marc Thiercelin's 60-foot got stuck in the Dardanelles. 'At the entrance of the strait we were five miles behind but at the exit we were 30 miles behind. We haven't done really well', honestly noted navigator-tactician Marc Emig.It was a battle of gybes in the strait where the fleet was escorted and protected by the Turkish coastal guards.
De Pavant's smart choice happened to be the by-pass of the island of Bozcaada on its East side closer to the coast while the other skippers opted for the west side. 'Our lead remains very slim', said the boss onboard Groupe Bel who would have enjoyed more profit from his tactical choice. In second position after 24 hours of racing, Spain's Guillermo Altadil proved himself to be an audacious and extremely serious challenger to hot favourites Foncia and Groupe Bel.
He was obviously looking for more wind later as he chose a more eastern route than his adversaries. In the middle of the numerous small islands of the Aegean Sea, the kings of much localized weather forecasts might be able to make a difference.The beginning of the race has been very demanding. All the sailors said they were tired after a first night with no sleep. The turnover they had planned couldn't be respected due to extra work to be done on board. They are now looking forward to a steady progression.
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