Eduardo De Souza Ramos brand new Botin designed Phoenix won the first race of the season for the BARCLAYS 52 SUPER SERIES in light breezes at Rolex Capri Sailing week.
Though Phoenix showed no shortage of speed in the 7 to 8 kts of W’ly breeze it was the smart starting and excellent first beat which gave them the early platform to build on.
Azzurra and Quantum Racing started well to the left, closer to the high craggy island cliffs, but double Olympic medallist Santi Lange had the top end of the beat to perfection as both Quantum Racing and Azzurra had to duck behind them on the final approach to the first turn.
Lange also called the key shift on the downwind as well, one which Ran Racing managed to use well, rising to second which Niklas Zennstrom’s crew held to the finish with Azzurra taking a useful third and defending champions Quantum Racing opening their European season with a fourth.
De Souza Ramos’ team stayed cool under pressure but there was obvious pleasure when they crossed the finish for the win, a fitting result considering the hard work which has gone into getting the new boat project to fruition.
