Audi All4One are the new Royal Cup leaders after claiming victory in a dramatic race on Saturday when former regatta front-runners Quantum damaged their forestay and retired from the opening race on the final day of the regatta.
Azzurra finished second, followed by Rán, Gladiator, PowerPlay, Provezza and Aquila. With one race remaining All4One are on 20 points, one point ahead of Quantum and Rán, both on 21 points.
After a short delay the race started about 2.6 miles offshore in Palma Bay, with an intense line-up in about 18 knots of wind, with gusts in excess of 21.
Aquila were recalled, while Quantum and Rán broke to the front of the pack early. Quantum’s lead was short lived as within nine minutes of racing Quantum damaged their forestay ram and retired.
All4one took advantage of the big breeze to continue their good form and round the top mark in first place, followed by Azzurra, Rán, Gladiator, PowerPlay, Provezza and Aquila.
The team’s completed the opening 4.4 nautical mile windward-leeward in 28 minutes, with All4One remaining in the lead, just 11 seconds ahead of Rán and 20 seconds ahead of Azzurra.
In an intense upwind battle Azzurra reveled in the heavy wind to take the lead, but with the regatta lead on the line All4One weren’t far away, rounding just nine seconds later.
Azzurra and All4One switched the lead several times on the race to the finish line, but it was All4One who claimed the win.
