Winds are expected to top the 20 knots mark by the middle of this afternoon on the bay off Cascais where the TP52 Series enters their second day of racing. The GP42 Series starts today, Thursday
Image copyright Audi MedCup.
by Sabina Mollart-Rogerson
John Cook’s Cristabella (GBR) go into the second day of the Audi Med Cup Circuit’s opening regatta of the season, the Portugal Trophy, Cascais, with a lead of just one point over the 2008 Audi MedCup Champions Quantum Racing (USA).
Wednesday's opening day for the TP52’s saw three different teams winning successive races, Quantum Racing (USA), Synergy (RUS) and current title holders Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL).
Two races are expected for the 11 strong TP52 class today, whilst the GP42 Series starts their 2010 season today. Daniel Calero and his young Canary Islands team on Peurto Calero (ESP) start their title defence.
Breezes off Cascais today are forecast to build to over 20 knots by early afternoon, potentially producing some great action, and placing a premium on boat handling and crew routines.
Audi MedCup TV broadcasts live action streaming from the race course on www.medcup.org complemented by live commentary, comment and supporting interviews from 1250hrs local time until racing finishes for the day.
Weather
Around start time the breeze will be between 12 and 18 knots, blowing more from the north, hence it will be from an offshore direction and therefore with more shifts in direction and gusts. Mid to late afternoon it will increase to around 22 knots moving slightly further north through the racing period.
“ We will see a few showers in the morning, clouds around with the breeze steadily increasing with a trough line crossing between one and two o’clock. Then behind that we should see a right hand shift” confirmed Simon Fisher (GBR) of Cristabella (GBR).
“ This could potentially be the windiest day, during the second race, maybe up to 22 knots during the second race.” Adds Jules Salter (GBR) navigator of Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL).
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