Casa de Campo Regatta 2007 Presidente Cup - Day 2

The South-Easterly tradewind kicked in early this morning at the inaugural Casa de Campo Regatta 2007 Presidente Cup, and allowed for the completion of two more races, although not without incident.

In winds that started around 8 knots and quickly built to 14, with gusts up to 18 knots by the end of the day, competitors suffered broken gear, blown sails and spinnakers in the water.

One of the bigger losses was Gianfranco Fini’s new Bellissima, a Comet 51 Sport. Crewmembers explained how the cover on the pressure gauge of the backstay hydraulic cylinder cracked and leaked oil before the first race. Lacking the ability to bend the mast, Bellissima withdrew from the day’s racing.

Owner Fini, an architect who designed the Casa de Campo Yacht Club and Marina, wasn’t disappointed about the result, but believes his regatta is over. “The regatta on Saturday will be impossible to make,” said Fini, whose architecture firm is based in Rome . “I’m happy to have the regatta and all the people here. It was a little accident for us.”

Despite the misfortune, four of Bellissima’s crewmembers are happy tonight. They jumped into a J/24 for the day’s second race and placed second to class leader Celtic V on corrected time.

Pepe Rodriguez’ crew aboard the Frers 45 Celtic V won both races in the racing division. With the perfect score of four wins in four races, Celtic V virtually has the class wrapped up with only Saturday’s race to Isla Catalina remaining.

In Division 2, for performance cruisers, Juan Lehoux’ Lemar, a Beneteau 34.3, holds the top spot after posting a 1-3 today. Lehmar has the low score of 9 points and leads Ramon Prieto’s Cecile, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45, by 2 points. Juan Reyes’ Grande Blu, a Beneteau 47.3, is third with 12 points.

Sven Holmbom’s Orion, a Hunter 301, continues to lead Division 3, for cruisers. Like Celtic V in Division 1, Orion has a string of four bullets and will be difficult to be overtaken.

Tomorrow is a day of activity for the sailors as no races are planned. A match race exhibition, featuring World Match Racing Tour President Scott MacLeod and sailing author Tom Leweck, is scheduled for the morning. In the afternoon competitors can partake in a golf tournament on the Casa de Campo resort. The course was created by noted golf course designer Pete Dye.

Saturday’s schedule calls for one race, out to Isla Catalina and return. The course is about 25 miles on rhumbline.