Audi MedCup- Mistral stalls Emirates Team NZ's bid for win

by Warren Douglas and Sail-World on 20 Jun 2010
Emirates Team New Zealand reports that racing in the Marseille Trophy, the second round of the Audi MedCup, was cancelled on Saturday and prospects do not look promising for Sunday.

Three days racing has been held so far in the scheduled five day regatta

With a mistral wind averaging 30 knots ripping across the race course area, the teams stayed ashore but ready to leave the dock at a moment’s notice.

For a while it looked hopeful. The wind dropped to 20 knots but the 'lull' lasted for only 10 minutes before the mistral roared back to full strength.

The day started like any other race day. Emirates Team New Zealand and the other crews were onboard the race yachts and 10am. Then the waiting began.

At 4pm Audi MedCup race officials called it a day and crews stood down.

With only 8.5 points separating the top five teams, the regatta was poised this weekend for a fighting finish in stronger conditions. Now, with racing unlikely tomorrow it could end with a whimper.

Dean Barker: 'We really want to race tomorrow but we are realistic - our chances are not good.

'The race committee is planning an 11am start tomorrow in the hope that the breeze might be down a little. Good on them for trying. They also want a good finish to the regatta.'

Marseille Trophy
Points Overall

1. Quantum Racing (USA), 8+1+1+5+6+1.5= 22.5 points
2. Matador (ARG), 3+3+4+1+10+6= 27
3. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 2+9+2+10+2+4.5= 29.5
4. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 10+6+5+4+3+3= 31
5. TeamOrigin (GBR), 4+7+7+3+1+9= 31
6. Synergy (RUS), 9+2+6+7+4+7.5= 35.5
7. Bribón (ESP), 1+8+8+2+7+15= 41
8. Cristabella (GBR), 6+4+3+8+9+13.5= 43.5
9. Luna Rossa (ITA), 5+5+10+9+5+10.5= 44.5
10. Artemis (SWE), 7+11(RAF)+9+6+8+12= 53

Join us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/emiratesteamnewzealand

Get instant updates on Twitter- www.twitter.com/emiratesteamnz