SM40s in the marina at Portimao. Image copyright Subzero Images.
by Kinley Fowler
As the World Match Racing Tour kick starts its 4th event of the series in the glamorous Portugese holiday destination of Portimao, MRT finished the first day with one win and one loss.
Racing was delayed this morning, giving the sailors the chance to bathe in the beautiful Portugese sun. Finally racing got underway late in the afternoon, and the event was underway in the season’s first glimpse of strong breeze.
When it was MRT’s turn to step onto the boats, the wind slowly began to fade, but remained steady for their first race against Spain’s Manu Weiller. After a solid prestart, MRT managed to get to the favoured side of the course and fend off the Spaniards attacks to take their first wind.
The second race against Victory Challenge’s Magnus Holmberg didn’t run as smoothly, with the Swedish Match 40 veteran sailing smart to beat the Australian team.
“Obviously it wasn’t ideal to lose to Magnus, but he pulled off some interesting moves that we have put into our memories for next time” said Tactician Kyle Langford. “We are really happy with everything though. It is a great race track with a great backdrop and these boats are a lot of fun to sail, so we are staying positive going into tomorrow morning’s races.”
Day 1: Current Round Robin Standings
Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 3-0
Mathieu Richard (FRA) French Match Racing Team 2-0
Francesco Bruni (ITA) Azzurra 2-0
Ian Williams (GBR) Team GAC Pindar 2-1
Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR Racing 2-1
Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 1-1
Magnus Holmberg (SWE) Victory Challenge 1-1
Bertrand Pacé (FRA) Aleph Sailing Team 1-2
Alvaro Marinho (POR) Seth Sailing Team 1-2
Björn Hansen (SWE) Hansen Global Team 0-2
Manuel Weiller (ESP) Team Iberdrola 0-2
Eugeny Neugodnikov (RUS) Team Synergy 0-3
Mirsky Racing Team
World Match Racing Tour
