Audi All4One have edged closer to the overall Copa del Rey IRC 1 lead with a win in the opening day’s race on Thursday, while a penalty proved costly for reigning regatta champions Azzurra.
It was a tough opening day’s race for Azzurra. Instead of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of the first Azzurra boat, the team were commiserating dropping from first to the fifth after seemingly infringing All4One at the gate rounding and doing a 720 turn.
Across the line Paprec finished second, followed by Gladiator, PowerPlay, Audi Azzurra Sailing Team and Provezza. Corrected time results are pending.
Gladiator stamped their authority early with a strong start from the midline in a moderate eight-knot southwesterly. All4One opted for the pin and headed straight towards the coast in search of any advantage.
Paprec ducked behind the fleet and took a lone course to the right, while Azzurra hedged their bets on a middle route on the two nautical mile beat in Palma Bay.
Paprec’s solo course paid, but it wasn’t enough to edge into the lead with the French team forced to dip Gladiator on the approach to the windward mark.
Azzurra led around the top mark followed closely by old adversary All4One, Paprec, Gladiator, Provezza and PowerPlay.
Azzurra’s race came crashing down at the gate when they appeared to infringe All4One as the pair raced neck-and-neck to the mark. The team were forced to do a costly 720 penalty turn and dropped from the lead to fifth place.
With little other options Azzurra broke from the fleet and headed to the right. All4One held firm upwind to lead at the final windward rounding, followed by Paprec, Gladiator, PowerPlay, Azzurra and Provezza.
The order didn’t change as the teams raced downwind in just six knots of wind to the finish.
Audi All4One and Audi Azzurra both logged a notice of protest with the race committee following the finish.
In IRC 0 Ran finished third over the line after they were individually recalled for jumping the start. Shockwave claimed victory and Stig came second.
