With Paul Cayard (USA) on board calling tactics for the first time for the 2007 Audi MedCup winning owner-skipper Torbjorn Tornqvist (SWE), Artemis seized the opportunity presented to them to win today’s practice race for the TP52 Series’ Region of Sardinia Trophy.

Racing in a light, even, but well established 7-8 knots of sea breeze off the Sardinian capital Cagliari, Cayard and Tornnqvist shrugged off the competitive sailor’s long standing superstition that bad luck will visit the practice race winner which prevented first Matador (ARG) and then Bigamist (POR) from taking the win.

Matador, overall winners in Alicante, were quick in the light breeze and sailed a smart race, leading as they closed on the finish line. But democracy prevailed and the strong Latin contingent aboard the Argentine-flagged boat presented a 2:1 majority over their five Anglo Saxon comrades and the Matador wheeled past the end of the line.

Seconds later Bigamist too bowed to the superstition and trundled past the other end of the line.

“We took a vote and it was ten to five in favour of the Latinos plus the owner is Latin and he had a double vote.” Smiled Matador’s Italian tactician Francesco Bruni.

“It was a group decision for us. This does not mean I believe one way or another, but usually I just don’t do it. Now is not the time to find out if it’s true or not.” Bigamist’s skipper-helm Afonso Domingos (POR) confirmed.

ETNZ finished 4th.

Tomorrow the real thing.