Without question it will be the biggest day of the season for Matador (ARG). Last season not only did their chances of second slip from their grasp in the final stages of the season but Torbjorn Tornqvist’s Artemis (SWE) stole third overall by a single point.
Matador are within six points of second overall on the season’s standings. There are many different permutations which could see them get ahead of Quantum Racing (USA) who have been second overall since Barcelona. Matador have progressed from 6,4,5 on the standings and jumped to third after their second overall in Murcia.
For the 42’s, the three races today will be important to determine the final podium position in the overall series: can AIRISESSENTIAL (ITA)pull off three bullets to displace Iberdrola (ESP)? or will the B&C-designed boats Madrid-Caser Seguros (ESP) and Islas Canarias Puerto Calero (ESP) show the same mastery in the Mistral as they have in the past?
The forecast confirms the Mistral conditions with 16-22kts expected from 290-310 deg. The Mistral blows from the north of the Bay, offshore, and so it is much more puffy and shifty with up to two knots more in the gusts. And usually there is much more breeze at the leeward end of the course than then is at the windward mark area. These are just the conditions which produced such a great finale last year, but this time it is the season’s finale. Bellissimo!
Pictures rights free for editorial use only:
1) © Guido Trombetta_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup
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