Franck Cammas and NORAUTO remain top of the GC32 Racing Tour with an impressive podium finish

NORAUTO during the GC32 Racing Tour at the 37 Copa del Rey MAPFRE © Tomás Moya / GC32 Racing Tour

After four days of competitive racing in the intense heat of Palma de Mallorca, Franck Cammas and his team kept hold of their lead on the overall rankings after finishing in 2nd place on the podium at the third event of the 2018 GC32 Racing Tour.

The eight foiling GC32 catamarans joined the sailing elite at the Mediterranean's largest and most prestigious multi-class regatta, the 37 Copa del Rey MAPFRE, completing 19 races in the scorching 35 degreesC temperatures in Palma.

On the first day of racing, NORAUTO, backed by Europe's leading car maintenance company, continued their impressive run from Lagos, winning the first two races, followed by fellow America's Cup team, Sir Ben Ainslie's INEOS Team UK taking the next two wins.

The two teams battled it out effectively neck and neck each day, dominating the GC32 competition.

NORAUTO's skipper and helmsman, Franck Cammas explained on the 3rd day of the battle: "We did well, but not in some starts. The speed of the boat was good in the light compared to Garda. It was a good day, except there is a black boat [INEOS] that's better than us – by two points each day! I hope tomorrow that will change."

ARGO also proved to be a force to be reckoned with, winning three races and coming back from behind in another two.

In the light and shifty wind conditions of the final day, with a lot to gain and not much to lose, the French team went for the full attack.

Upon his return to the pontoon, the skipper reflected on the day:

"We wanted to take a risk with INEOS so we split the tactics and strategy and sometimes we lost more than if we'd done as normal. INEOS was too far in front and they deserve their win. It's good to have this team with us on the circuit and I hope we will beat them the next time!"

With INEOS Team UK earning the top spot in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE regatta with 46 points, NORAUTO trail the Brits by 11 points, while the USA's Argo complete the podium with 73 points.

Thibaut Derville, head of Norauto sponsorship and General Director of Belgium commented "I'm very impressed with the team's atmosphere, always fighting and improving and of course I'm very happy with the result; we are still leading the overall ranking. The Copa del Rey MAPFRE is definitely one of the best regattas in the world. We had a very special and warm welcome from the RCNP and it's a great place to be for the GC32 Racing Tour."

NORAUTO will be competing next at the GC32 Villasimius Cup in Sardinia, Italy over 12-16 September.

Overall Results of the 37 Copa del Rey MAPFRE:

1. INEOS TEAM UK (UK) - 46 points
2. NORAUTO (FRA) - 55 points
3. Argo (USA) - 73 points
4. Zoulou (FRA) - 88 points
5. Realteam (SUI) - 90 points
6.film Racing (AUS) - 95 points
7. Frank Racing (NZL) - 119 points
8. Código Rojo Racing (ARG) - 122 points