While the challengers mostly drifted aimlessly off Valencia, the TP52 fleet had a full series of warm up races in the Bay of Palma with winds between 6 and 28 knots. Ten TP52's entered, nine turned up on the start line for the annual regatta. A number of leading sailors were otherwise engaged in Valencia, so substitutes were called in.
Mean Machine-Valle Romano TP52 team had a strong start to the new Transpac 52 European season. The team that won the 2006 Medcup Circuit finished the Hublot Palmavela regatta with an 8 point lead ahead of second place Cristabella, and 11 points on third place Anonimo Q8.
This Sunday saw the fleet compete in one windward – leeward race only, with a breeze that tipped over the 10 knot mark. Mean Machine-Valle Romano hit the water with confidence in the knowledge that 7 points separated them from Cristabella, who were more eager to defend their second place against fellow Britons Stay Calm.
The team started the race among the fleet leaders, taking the first windward mark in third position. They steadily moved ahead, overtaking the fleet to achieve overall victory in this sixth and final race in the Hublot Palmavela Trophy, followed by a powerful Cristabella.
Consistency is still key in this class. With results of 2nd, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd and 1st in this event the team sponsored by the Valle Romano resort near Estepona, Southern Spain, has shown it’s in fine form for the competitive Mediterranean TP52 Circuit ahead. This year promises to be even more spectacular than the previous edition.
This event was the first race meeting of this season for the Transpac 52 fleet. 9 TP52’s were present in Palma de Mallorca, among them a recently launched addition to the fleet, American boat Glory, owned by John Buchan.
Alongside Mean Machine-Valle Romano on the starting line were British teams Stay Calm and Cristabella, who were the center of a fierce battle for the coveted second place on the podium, the Italians Anonimo Q8, US team Bambakou and the Spanish team Aifos, among others.
Both the onboard crew and shore crew of Peter de Ridder’s team have worked very hard during tis competition. De Ridder’s firm command of the wheel had excellent guidance and support from expert tactician Tom Dodson and trimmers Dirk de Ridder, Jono Swain and Jon Gundersen. The latter three, along with Liam Newman have also developed a new sail programme for the boat.
Breitling MedCup Event Programme
Alicante Trophy (12-17/6)
13th Regatta Breitling (18-22/7)
Copa Del Rey (30/7-4/8)
Portugal Trophy (20-25/8)
Hyeres Trophy (10-15/9)
