Cagliari Final Blow Shows TP52 Racing At Its Best

AudiAOne wins the first race of the final day of the Region of Sardinia Trophy regatta, taking advantage of a handling error when leaders Matador blew their kite when leaving the final windward mark with a substantial lead.

Racing in a fulsome 25 knots of Mistral conditions in relatively flat water in the north of the Bay of Cagliari directly off the capital city of Sardinia puts high tension on boat and crew.

Matador, needing boats between them and Quantum Racing in order to fulfil their challenge for second place on the TP52 Series for the Audi MedCup Circuit season, seemed to have made huge inroads into the 6 points lead of Quantum Racing. They jumped to challenge for second by the first leeward mark and took the lead on the final beat.

But the world champions’ spinnaker snagged on a jib batten during the hoist and exploded, losing four boats to finish fifth just ahead of their rivals Quantum Racing.

For the Cagliari event this means that between 2nd and 6th position is only 3.5 points.

Matador in 1st still has an amazing lead of 12.5 points of their nearest rivals AudiAOne and ETNZ.

Looks like one more race, but it is on the edge, windspeed close to 30 knots.

Tough call for Maria. Great fun and demolition close neighbours now.

Wind pipes up and Maria decides the 2010 AUDI MedCup is over.

Matador wins the Cagliari Trophy with an overall splendid display of crewwork, tactics and helming.

Emirates Team New Zealand is the 2010 AUDI MedCup winner.

Second overall Quantum Racing.

Third Matador.

Rests us the Grand Final Party tonight and then of to the TP52 World Championship in Valencia.

All Teams and everybody that worked so hard to make the AUDI MedCup the success it is THANK YOU.

Can not wait for the 2011 one, but we need some time to make decisions and get the boats modified or new ones build.

Rob Weiland