Practice day sets the tone

Official practice day at the third Audi MedCup regatta of the 2010 season has set the scene for a tight and tense week.

Sailed in a sea breeze of less than 10 knots, practice showed without a doubt that in light conditions the fleet is very evenly matched.

With the weathermen predicting light breezes off Barcelona this week for the CAMPER regatta, the racing will be close with a premium on tactics and teamwork.

Crews will need to avoid the traffic at the start, get away cleanly and put in a solid beat to the first mark; rounding in the first three-four positions will be crucial to the outcome.

Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker says the fleet is in for a difficult week. “It's going to be very tricky, especially around the start line. Getting away cleanly with a clear lane off the start will be the key to a good result.

“The team that does that well, consistently well, will be in a good position to win the CAMPER regatta.

“In this light breeze the boats are going pretty much the same speed, and it comes down to starting well and having a good game plan for the first beat,” Barker said.

“Get round the top mark in the first two or three, and most often the race is straight forward from there on. If you are back in the pack it will be a real battle to improve.”

Today TeamOrigin led from start to finish with Emirates Team New Zealand second. Both teams chose to go the wrong way round the finish line, leaving the gun to AudiA1. Demonstrating how evenly matched the yachts are, only eight seconds separated the fourth and ninth placed finishers.

Commentators say TeamOrigin and Emirates Team New Zealand did enough today to prove that they should be contenders in the light breezes which are expected for the Regata Camper - Conde de Godó Trophy - Barcelona.

Emirates Team New Zealand leads the 2011 season after two regattas. The team has an 18.5 point lead over second placed Quantum Racing.
MedCup 2010
Overall after two regattas, Portugal Trophy Cascais and Marseille Trophy

1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 31.5+31 = 62.5 points
2. Audi A1 powered by ALL4ONE (FRA/GER), 51,5+29.5 = 81
3. Quantum Racing (USA), 59/,5+22.5 = 82
4. Matador (ARG), 60+27 = 87
5. TeamOrigin (GBR), 59.5+31 = 90.5
6. Synergy (RUS), 64+35.5 = 99.5
7. Cristabella (GBR), 65+43.5 = 108.5
8. Artemis (SWE), 57+53 = 110
9. Luna Rossa (ITA), 77.5+44..5 = 122
10. Bribón (ESP), 82.5+41 = 123.5

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