TEAMORIGIN led the way in race 6 at the Audi MedCup Portugal Trophy. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.
by Leslie Greenhalgh
Yet another perfect day on the water here in Cascais with thrilling conditions and these exciting boats showing their true colours in challenging conditions.
TEAMORIGIN achieved their first race win in their new boat in race one and a 7th place in race two leaving them in 2nd place overall on 29 points behind Emirates Team New Zealand on 26 points. Tomorrow sees a change of pace with one coastal race scheduled.
TEAMORIGIN at the Audi MedCup Portugal Trophy. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.
An exciting finish to Race 6 of the TP52 Series with squally gusts presenting great opportunities for gains and losses, but TeamOrigin (GBR) finished comfortably ahead of second placed Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL).
Bribón (ESP) looked to have stolen second from Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) when they crossed in front of the Audi MedCup champions but within 150 metres of the line they could not sheet their gennaker back on after their gybe and they dropped to fourth. Luna Rossa (ITA) steered by Robert Scheidt (BRA) got third, equal to their best result so far.
TEAMORIGIN at the Audi MedCup Portugal Trophy. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.
The second race saw another win for Emirates Team New Zealand, their fourth from seven starts, and that sees the Audi MedCup Champions take the overall lead of the Portugal Trophy.
They were close with TeamOrigin (GBR), jousting for advantage up the first windward leg but the Kiwi champions managed to get ahead before the turn. TeamOrigin (GBR) dropped when they took a penalty turns for an incident near the top of the second upwind leg, an expensive error, but they fought back to seventh.
Close racing at the Audi MedCup Portugal Trophy. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.
TP52 Series results
Overall – Day 3
1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 26 points
2. TeamOrigin (GBR), 29 points
3. Synergy (RUS), 34
4. Artemis (SWE), 36
5. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 37
6. Cristabella (GBR), 43
7. Quantum Racing (USA), 43
8. Luna Rossa (TA), 45
9. Matador (ARG), 47
10. Bribon (ESP), 57
11. Bigamist 7 (POR), 67
TEAMORIGIN at the Audi MedCup Portugal Trophy. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.
TEAMORIGIN QUOTES AFTER DAY THREE:
Iain Percy, Tactician, "Another fun day racing today. We almost had a very solid day, but one little misjudgement cost us. I was very pleased at how we responded to that mistake though, it is making the most out of those bad races that this long series is all about."
Andrew Simpson, Strategist, "The first race was great, from a good start to good boat handling and solid tactics. The 2nd race was looking really good, we had a slight incident with All4One and we did a penalty turn to be safe. The boys all fought really hard to get back into the race and did well to get 3 places back. "
Race schedule for Saturday 15th May
Coastal race, scheduled start at 1300.
TEAMORIGIN´
Audi MedCup
