The Copa del Rey MAPFRE coastal race for the 52 SUPER SERIES is billed to be about 30 miles long. The round the bay race should start with a short windward-leeward, a longer beat and then a reach to the north for a windward-leeward loop between the Illetas mark – just off the Royal family’s summer residence and upwind to the Isle of Sec, the rocky little islet used during the World Championships coastal race too.
Of course a lot of pressure is on the start, you need to be in the top three or four at the first rounding to have the best chance of a good finishing place. Often there are few passing lanes once the first circuit is completed. Otherwise it can be a long, hot and frustrating day on the water.
Azzurra lead after their two wins yesterday but the charge from behind will gather momentum today not least with a bunch of boats which underperformed on the first day looking to get back on track.
