Mistral wins on day one

The only winner on the first scheduled day of the Audi Sardinia Cup, the second regatta of 2012’s 52 Super Series, proved to be the strong Mistral wind which prevented racing. The 52 Series fleet and Soto 40’s representing six international teams stayed tied to the dock at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda throughout the day while winds on the race area gusted to over 30kts for most of the day.

With no racing possible, race officer Maria Torrijo confirms that the objective is to race three races on Thursday if possible. A high priority at this regatta is the coastal race which is scheduled for Friday and carries a 1.5 points bonus. Both classes will compete on the coastal – the only one of the 52 Super Series, and by all accounts the first ever for the Soto 40’s.

“Let’s put it this way, it is simply too beautiful here to miss out on a coastal race, so it is a priority.” Smiles the 52 footers’ Class Manager Rob Weiland.

“And we finish the first day still tied for first, right? That can’t be bad.” Quips Tony Rey, project manager and tactician for PowerPlay.

“You do come to Porto Cervo and expect extremes, extremely good racing or extreme conditions. We have all seen this before and it puts more of a premium on not having mistakes on the race course when we do actually go sailing. We are excited and we are all hoping for strong winds. We have sailed our boat a reasonable amount and now it is windy and we think we have replaced everything which can be broken. But really we are just excited to get out there and sail against the well oiled, well practiced teams.”

Forecasts predict that Thursday will see the Mistral diminish, expected to give way to sea breeze conditions.

Audi Sardinia Cup 52 Super Series Entries:

Quantum Racing (USA)
Rán Racing (SWE)
Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (ITA)
Gladiator (GBR)
Paprec Recyclage (FRA)
Powerplay (KY)