Torpyone. Image copyright Guido Trombetta/B Plan.
by Jill Campbell
Racing got underway today in the Audi Invitational Melges 32 regatta with racing held in 5 – 8 knots of shifty breeze. The event, organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from 25th to 27th June, sees the participating crews compete both for the Audi Invitational Trophy and the third leg of the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series 2010.
Image copyright Guido Trombetta/B Plan.
Today’s light conditions meant that the fleet only managed to complete one windward-leeward race which was started in 5-6 knots of breeze from 010° on schedule at 12 midday. An early leader and first around the leeward mark was Edoardo Lupi’s Torpyone with Branko Brcin calling tactics. Torpyone was followed by Carlo Alberini’s Calvi Network, B Lin Sailng.com and Brontolo. Torpyone held her lead right to the finish while Calvi Network lost ground to finish fifth. B Lin Sailing.com took second place ahead of Filippo Pacinotti’s Brontolo in third leaving the top of the leader board dominated by Italian teams.
Fleet downwind. Image copyright Guido Trombetta/B Plan.
The Audi Invitational, now in its seventh edition, will be disputed tomorrow in a one-off, out of circuit race where each boat will have a national celebrity as a “sailor for a day” guest. Racing will then continue for the series with the YCCS Race Committee looking to fit in the maximum of three races permitted daily in accordance with the rules of the regatta.
Image copyright Guido Trombetta/B Plan.
This evening title sponsor Audi has invited owners, crews and VIP guests to a gala dinner at the YCCS Clubhouse.
Racing is scheduled to continue tomorrow, Saturday 26th, at 12 midday with 6 to 8 knots of east south easterly breeze predicted.
YCCS
