Adam Minoprio and BlackMatch Racing make a perfect start on day one of the Portimao Portugal Match Cup. Image copyright Subzero Images.
by David Swete
Following a disappointing 7th placing in Korea a fortnight ago, BlackMatch were back to winning form Wednesday, gaining 3 wins from 3 races in a perfect start to the Portimao Portugal Match Cup 2010. Our wins came against veteran Peter Gilmour and his Yanmar Racing Team, Betrand Pace with his Aleph Sailing team and local talent Alvaro Marinho.
Portimao is new venue for the Portuguese leg of the World Match Racing Tour and it is an absolutely stunning location to have a sailing event. With sailing being held off the beautiful Rocha Beach in perfect sea-breeze conditions, this week promises plenty of exciting action.
In a hard fought match against the Australian skipper Gilmour, we traded tacks in a fierce tacking duel up the first beat. Nearing the top of the course we had ground out a narrow advantage to lead into the top mark on the starboard layline. The Yanmar Team were hot on our heals directly behind when Adam did a great job of locking them out. ‘Gillie’ then went for the swing behind our stern but misjudged it horribly and there was big contact. This collision not only forced a penalty on them but after we held on to take the victory they were also ‘docked’ half a point, due to extensive damage caused by the incident.
The round robin action will continue tomorrow and we are hoping to continue with the early form we have shown.
BlackMatch would like to thank their sponsors FedEx Express and Events Clothing/Line 7 New Zealand. We would also like to thank our new sponsor Steinlager Pure and Emirates Team New Zealand, as without their support we would not have this opportunity.
BlackMatch Racing
World Match Racing Tour
