© Th.Martinez/AUDI MEDCUP
For the first time since May 2006 the MedCup Circuit returns to Italy when racing starts for the 2008 Audi MedCup Circuit's third event, the Region of Sardinia Trophy on Tuesday.
Monday sees the usual pre-regatta practise race which, again, showcases the fleet for the media, VIP’s and local dignitaries with each of the 13 boats entered here allowed to sail with one guest on board while also offering the contestants a chance to learn, under racing conditions, the waters and winds of the Gulf of Cagliaria, the open, south facing bay which lie off the island of Sardinia’s capital city.
Meanhile Matador have recruited Italian Francesco Bruni, who has sailed two America’s Cup with Luna Rossa, as a replacement here for tactician Vince Brun (USA). Recently corwned Melges 24 world champion tacitician Bruni knows the waters of the Gulf of Cagliari well. He will step directly from taking second place in the Melges 32 Audi Circuit regatta here on to the TP52, and has already this season sailed to second place at the Italian Melges 24 Championships, and at the RC 44 series here.
But, slightly controversially, the Russian team from Rusal Synergy, having completed the purchase of USA-17, were seeking to have their new boat accepted as a replacement for RUS 13, the 2006 Botin & Carkeek design which was damaged during the same coastal race in Marseille as Matador, CXG and Mutua Madrielena all suffered damage. Read More
