The first race of the Audi MedCup Circuit for the TP52 Series had to be abandoned when the wind all but evaporated at the first leeward gate. Bribon, 2007 winners on Alicante, had lead to the windward mark and through the gate.

Disappointment perhaps for the Bribon team who had a clear lead to the first leeward mark before Race 1 had to be abandoned. Near the leeward gate the breeze had dropped to just three or four knots and was inconsistent across the course area. A ten degree wind shift at the windward mark and a drop in wind pressure from the left made it difficult for Audi Med Cup champions Quantum Racing who lay eighth when the race was abandoned.

But then we got going and got ourselves a dream start for Marazzi Sailing……..

The Audi MedCup Circuit’s first ever Swiss team Marazzi Sailing made the best possible start when they won the season’s opening race of the City of Alicante Trophy.

With four times Olympic medallist Jochen Schuemann calling tactics for helm/skipper Flavio Marazzi, the Swiss team made the best of a ten degree wind shift on  the first leg to lead at the windard mark, going on to take the wining gun.

A good recovery by the Portuguese team on Bigamist 7, who were over the start line and had to recross, going on to take third place behind Alberto Roemmers’ Matador in second. The race was sailed in winds of 8-10 knots.

1   Marazzi Sailing
2   Matador
3   Bigamist VII
4   ETNZ
5   Quantum
6   AUDI Q8
7   Artemis
8   Desafio
9   Pisco Sour
10 Bribon
11  Synergy
12 Valars

No photos of the race yet, but some shots of the facilities, the first ever TP52 Museum (yes, we are getting old) and other goodies to keep the crowds happy.

I got quite a few emails from all over the world saying that I was not on the ball as last year with getting the race reports and photos on the web before the boats dock. I am fully depending for info on the MedCup site and the reporting has changed from last year now they have introduced life comments!! and VIRTUAL EYE supplied life images of the racing. Visit www.medcup.org, click on the ‘follow live sailing’ icon, and enjoy! So I get photos and written text later.

As with all new things we might struggle a bit to get to perfection, but I am sure the experts