Two more windward-leeward races are scheduled for the 52 SUPER SERIES today at Quantum Key West 2013 and the prospect is for more breeze than the light and streaky NW’ly which prevailed for the first day.
Whilst it is Quantum Racing, with owner Doug DeVos on the helm, which leads the regatta standings for the 52’s after their fourth and first places yesterday, the points could hardly be closer. Second placed Gladiator, steered by owner Tony Langley, is on exactly the same points aggregate. The first day of the season is often as much about removing any rustiness and making sure the mistakes are not too costly. Unfortunately for Azzurra, the defending champions of the 52 SUPER SERIES, their one big mistake cost them. In the second race they hooked a lobster pot line at the weather mark and were not able to come back from sixth. But now, with good breezes – averaging 16-18kts during the afternoon – the emphasis will be much more on slick crew work and boat handling as well as reading the wind shifts in the puffy, gusty offshore conditions.
