The Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy, the fourth and penultimate regatta of the 2010 Audi MedCup season, gets into action today with points racing for the TP52 Series and the official Practice Race for the GP42’s
Audi MedCup 2010
The forecast for today’s breeze looks interesting, with a light offshore easterly wind anticipated, around six to ten knots, veering to the north of east during the afternoon.
Three windward leeward races are programmed for the TP52 schedule, with the first start around 1330hrs after the GP42 fleet take in their two practice starts.
Yesterday’s practice race for the TP52’s proved that this is a tricky race arena in light winds, but today’s offshore easterly and north easterly breeze will likely be even more difficult due to the high cliffs which the breeze will be bouncing down off on to the race arena. The winds are expected to reach up to 11-12 knots.
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) head out on to the waters off Cartagena aware of the potential pitfalls of a light winds day here but with a measure of confidence knowing that they have an overall lead of 28.5 points on the Audi MedCup Circuit standings and that they are also the defending holders of the Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy Paul Cayard and the crew of the yacht Artemis (SWE) who won the last Audi MedCup Circuit regatta in Barcelona won yesterday’s Practice Race.
2010 Audi MedCup
Among the VIP guests who will be competing during the first day of racing for the TP52’s will be English couple Chris and Vicky Edwards. They are having a day to remember as guests of the Audi MedCup Circuit and Cristabella (GBR).
Chris and Vicky were the top bidders for the prize of this day at the Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy regatta when it was auctioned at a glamorous charity ball in Southampton, England in June. The ball was set up by two inspiring couples in order to raise money for charities which support women with cancer and women and families who go through the trauma of stillbirth or the neonatal death of their baby. Cristabella’s boat captain Brendan Darrer is a good friend of one of the couples who set up the Make A Difference Ball, and was happy to offer this exciting prize along.
Vicky, who describes herself as a slightly nervous sailor, will race in the first race and Chris will sail on board in the second race.
“Yes, maybe I was ‘under the influence’ a little bit at the time and was pushed on to win the prize but it is well worth it because it really is something which you could not normally go out and buy, a unique experience and the causes are so worthwhile.” Vicky Edwards smiled just before their safety briefing and the dock out show in the VIP area this morning. The GP42 Series Practice Race should start immediately after the TP52 first race of the day.
