The second day of competing at this year’s Oyster Regatta Palma, sponsored by regatta partner Raymarine, was marked by amazing sailing conditions. A solid 15 knots of breeze from the northeast built to near gale force conditions. The Oyster fleet raced along the southwest coast of Mallorca enjoying wind speeds in excess of 30 knots for most of the 20-mile race. However, Oysters are constucted to sail the world’s oceans and only three of the 24 yachts retired after minor gear failure that alone was prove of the construction quality as well as robust nature of the Oyster marque.
Oyster Regattas Palma 2012 - Image by martinezstudio.es
Many yachts were quick to reef in the lively conditions but it was a bumpy rollercoaster ride from Puerto Andraitx back to the Bay of Palma. The gnarly weather conditions provided high speed racing for over three hours before the fleet finally moored up again within the safe confines of Real Club Nautico.
In Class One, Maria Cristina Rapisardi’s powerful Italian Oyster 72 sailing yacht Billy Budd was a force to be reckoned with, relishing the lively conditions with expert boat handling to take line honours just ahead of Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean. However, after time correction, Maxim Kudryashov’s Russian Oyster 625 yacht Guardian Angel won the race with Billy Budd second and Heinrich Schulte’s German Oyster 655 yacht Anabasis claiming third.
Maxim Kudryashov was delighted to take his first win with his new Oyster 625 superyacht Guardian Angel. “I love to sail in strong winds, it is fantastic to power through the waves in Guardian Angel and the crew love it as well. We had a few problems because we are still getting use to her but the crew work was excellent and I was so proud to win the race and to take the lead in Class One.”
Beautiful Oyster yachts racing in the Oyster Palma Regatta - Image by martinezstudio.es
In Class Two, Gerd and Annemarie Köhlmoos’ German Oyster 54 yacht Sarabande put in a stellar performance winning line honours and the race after time correction by a handsome margin. Eric Alfredson’s Swedish Oyster 53, Lisanne was second. Igor Lazurenko’s Russian Oyster 54 yacht Light Lana showed great tenacity after sustaining some damage to their headsail system when the crew continued to race and were rewarded with a third place by just 19 seconds on corrected time from Jesús Gasca’s Spanish Oyster 46 yacht Sine Die.
Gerd Köhlmoos was delighted to win his second race at the regatta, but was quick to explain that it was a team effort. “Probably the best move we made today was going inshore to find flatter water inside the bay but we had a big problem when our genoa sheet snapped but the crew acted quickly to limit the loss. I love to sail with my family and friends and we have become an excellent team because we have sailed together for so many years, it was a very exciting race today and I am really looking forward to the last day of racing and hopefully the Sarabande team can win again, to finish off a great regatta.”
John and Odette Maxwell’s British Oyster 54 sailing yacht Om Shanti racing in Class Two managed a credible sixth today. John and Odette will be taking part in the Oyster World Rally next January. For the Oyster Regatta Palma, John and Odette were joined by sons Ian and James, as well as Raph Marshall-Naef, who will be joining the couple for their great adventure.
Oyster Regattas Palma 2012 - First racing Image by martinezstudio.es
“That was pretty feisty today.” Beamed John having helmed Om Shanti non-stop for over three and a half hours in lively conditions. “That was thoroughly enjoyable and very educational, especially with regard to reducing sail to balance the boat. Fortunately Om Shanti will be likely to experience more downwind sailing on the Oyster World Rally but today was a great day to perfect heavy weather upwind sailing. Apart from the fridge door flying open and sending the lunch all over the galley, I think we coped pretty well!”
Racing at the Oyster Regatta Palma concludes tomorrow with racing in the Bay of Palma. A points scoring race will be followed by a pursuit race. The final prize giving ceremony will take place at one of Mallorca’s most exclusive resorts; Cap Rocat is a beautifully restored military fort with outstanding cliff top vistas. Oyster owners and their guests will enjoy a fabulous cocktail party followed by dinner and dancing in a truly magical location.
