Jean-Luc Petithuguenin’s Paprec team, known for their prowess in strong winds, leads the Marina Rubicón Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week after two challenging races in windy conditions. The French crew, featuring Vendée Globe runner-up Yoann Richomme as navigator, tops the standings on a tie-break after a close second to the circuit leaders, Sled, in the second race, with both teams securing a race win and a second place finish.
Sled, renowned for their competence in heavy winds, performed impressively in the first race, establishing an early lead with a stunning port tack start that allowed them to reach the top mark with a significant 50-metre advantage. The team, led by ocean racing veteran Loick Peyron, demonstrated exceptional speed and execution throughout the races, showcasing strong starts and effective tactics.
The races were marked by intense conditions, with winds exceeding 25 knots in the second race, demanding precise maneuvers and flawless teamwork. Both Paprec and Sled excelled in this regard, avoiding breakdowns and errors, although Paprec faced an electrical issue, prompting them to rely on traditional navigation methods.
Richomme reflected on the day, noting, “I lost my connection to all the electronics before the first race and so sat down and did it with a compass, old school.” He praised the team’s performance, highlighting their speed and tactical decisions made by Peyron.
Sled’s strategic port tack at the start of Race 1 was pivotal, executed against a fleet that was mostly clustered at the committee boat end of the line. Back at the dock, Sled’s mainsail trimmer Don Cowie expressed excitement about their successful start, describing it as another good call from the back of the boat.
After finishing with a third and an eighth, Andrea Lacorte’s Alkedo Vitamina is currently in third position, just ahead of Alpha Plus. Racing will continue on Wednesday with more strong tradewinds expected.
Marina Rubicón Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week standings after two races:
1. Paprec (FRA) – Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, 2+1 = 3
2. Sled – Takashi Okura, 1+2 = 3
3. Alkedo Vitamina (ITA) – Andrea Lacorte, 7+3 = 10
4. Alpha + (HKG) – Shawn & Tina Kang, 3+8 = 11
5. Platoon Aviation (GER) – Harm Müller-Spreer, 6+5 = 11
6. No Way Back (NED) – Pieter Heerema, 5+7 = 12
7. Alegre (GBR) – Andy Soriano, 4+9 = 13
8. Vayu (THA) – Whitcraft Family, 9+6 = 15
9. Trinity Racing (SWE) – Joakim Sundberg, 12+4 = 16
10. Teasing Machine (FRA) – Eric de Turckheim, 10+10 = 20
11. Gladiator (GBR) – Tony Langley, 8+13 = 21
12. Provezza (TUR) – Ergin Imre, 11+12 = 23
13. Crioula (BRA) – Eduardo & Renato Plass, 14(DNS)+11 = 25
52 SUPER SERIES – Pure Performance
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