52 Super Series - Azzurra has yet to shine

by Azzurra Sailing Team on 21 May 2015 2015 52 Super Series - Two more races are now history after the second day of competition in the waters in front of Malvarrosa beach in Valencia, where the first event has begun.

Today was a typically windy day in Valencia, with thermal breezes at 12 to 16 knots kicking in just after 1:00 PM. Two races provided the usual show of tight passes and close finishes.

Niklas Zennstroem, president of the TP52 Class, brought his boat, Ran, to the head of the overall results followed by Andy Soriano’s Alegre. Soriano, an experienced yachtsman, is making his debut in the 52 Super Series. Another series debutant to watch is the Russian boat Bronenosec. This team includes many top-notch Italian sailors and won the second race today.

Azzurra placed fifth in the first race, recovering positions after a difficult start. In the second race Azzurra was between fourth and sixth places when she crossed paths with a tight pack of boats on starboard tack and had to give way, dropping back to ninth place. “Today things didn’t go our way,” said skipper Guillermo Parada. “We didn’t sail up to our capacities, so we aren’t moving very quickly or sailing very well. We have no option but to regroup and keep pushing in the next few days.”

Tomorrow races will start punctually at 1:00 PM. Forecasts are for slightly weaker thermal breezes than today. As always, you can follow the regattas in real time via Virtual Eye on our website and news direct from the regatta course will be posted on Azzurra’s Facebook page and Twitter account. Registered journalists can find copyright-free high res images for publication in the press area of the website.

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)