Friday, May 2, 2008

GP42


The Spanish teams stole the spotlight on the opening day of the GP42 Quebramar Cup 2008 in Santa Margherita Ligure, on the Italian coast. Yesterday weather forecasts were not rosy, but the day opened with a bright sun and a breeze that was unable to go over 8/9 knots and progressively died down, allowing the eight GPs to finish two windward/leeward races of about 10 miles each.

The crew of EL DESAFIO, coming all from the Iberian America’s Cup challenger with helmsman Laureano Wizner and Santiago López-Vasquez calling tactics, are leading the provisional standings of the international GP42 circuit opening event. In the first race, Madrid was the undisputed leader of the fleet, finishing more than 4 minutes ahead of the rest, second place was awarded to Canarias Puerto Calero after a thirlling photo finish between them and EL DESAFIO.

When the two Spanish boats crossed the finish line, they were separated by a mere 15 centimeters and less than a second. The key to the first race was to go as close as possible to the coast and the team sponsored by the Spanish capital city went to the extreme, almost entering into the Portofino harbour. Full Report..