Istanbul Europa Race Leg 1
SAILING – ISTANBUL, TURKEY / NICE, FRANCE
Nice, France: The first real test in competition for Estrella Damm could not have ended any better. At 04.24 and 45 seconds, Estrella Damm Sailing Team led by Kaenon sailor Guillermo Altadill wearing Kore and Rhino, crossed the finished line as winners of the first leg of the Istanbul Europa Race. The team becomes the provisional leader of the around Europe yacht race after 7 days, 17 hours, 2 minutes and 45 seconds sailing from the start of the leg in Istanbul, Turkey to Nice, France with an average boat speed of 7.45 knots. The 1450 mile leg presented a number of challenges for Guillermo Altadill and Pachi Rivero’s team who had to contend with unstable conditions and at times very little wind, as well as sail against five of the most competitive IMOCA 60s in the world. The leg has provided its fair share of memorable battles. The last head to head battle for victory with Michel Desjoyeaux’s Foncia took place in the very last few miles.
“In the end it was a good decision to stay high on leaving Corsica. That is where we managed to pass Foncia,” explained Altadill.
With only 15 miles to the finish the Spanish boat managed to slip away from the French team and open up a gap of four miles, and enough to finish the leg with a victory.
Leg 2 was from Nice, France to Barcelona, Spain – Altadill’s hometown, where Estrella Damm 1876 came in third place. Saturday 12th September the Trophy of Barcelona will be held between the port and Olympic Port in the city, enabling the general public to follow the IMOCA 60 racing at close hand; many of the boats in the fleet will be taking part in the Barcelona World Race 2010/11.
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