Image copyright Nico Martinez/Audi MedCup.
by Sabina Mollart-Rogerson
While the majority of the TP52 Series and GP42 Series fleet have again been taking full advantage of the afternoon sea-breeze conditions off Alicante as the clock ticks down to the start of the 2009 Audi MedCup Circuit and tomorrow’s official TP52 Series practice race, on the shore side the finishing touches were being made to the Circuit’s new 3000 sq metre visitor exhibition area.
For 2009 there has been a major investment in the Audi MedCup Regatta Village in order to make the sport and the Circuit as accessible as possible to visitors to each of the five host cities this season, Alicante, Marseille, Cagliari, Portimao and Cartagena.
The entrance to the Regatta Village now includes an official information and welcome point.
A small exhibition area simplifies and explains how the TP52 Series and GP42 Series boats work, from the basic dynamics of how they sail right through to some of the more advanced technologies such as modern rig and sail materials. A short guide to the participating boats and crews as well as what the Audi MedCup Circuit is, puts it all in context.
Armed with that information and understanding, it is time to visit the cinema area where there an inspiring, adrenalin pumping eight minutes film brings to life some of the most spectacular and exciting action from the Audi MedCup Circuit.
The latest range of shiny Audi cars is on display but also within the interactive games arena there is a chance for visitors to race Audi cars at Le Mans (where Audi has won eight of ten participations) on the Play Station simulators.
Within the main stage area, for the first time there is now the chance to follow racing live on giant screens fed with the real time simulation from Virtual Eye, supported by live Audio and Text Commentary for the first time.
Of course there is still the opportunity to get close to the boats and crews as they line up on the dockside ‘pit –lane’.
“ In sailing terms the Audi MedCup is very simple to understand but our aim is to make it all as approachable and straightforward as possible for visitors. Obviously we want to emphasise as much as possible the concept of the Circuit, the venues and the teams and for visitors to enjoy the full Audi MedCup experience, bringing it as close to people as possible.” explained Fernando Iñigo, Marketing and Communications Director of Madrid based Santa Monica Sports, co-owners of the Circuit.
The VIP and corporate entertainment programme has also been stepped up this season, Iñigo expects more than 200 guests of the Circuit at each regatta.
It seems likely that the British TP52 Cristabella will miss out on Tuesday’s practice race. Following the very recent purchase of the former Matador, the 2007 Judel Vrolijk design which finished third overall last season, the team, which includes double Olympic gold medallist Iain Percy (GBR) as tactician for this regatta will take a day to train off Valencia tomorrow before arriving in time for the first points races scheduled for Wednesday.
“At the moment my aim is simply to be there sailing on Wednesday when racing starts. We still have quite a lot to do and so we are just taking it as it comes at the moment.” reported Brendan Darrer (IRL), Cristabella’s Boat Captain from Valencia Monday.
Audi MedCup
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