Jean-Luc Petithuguenin’s French team on Paprec leads the 52 SUPER SERIES Valencia Sailing Week after two solid races in light to moderate breezes off Malvarrosa Beach. Competing in a record fleet of 16 boats from 11 different nations, Paprec secured a second and third place, showcasing excellent speed in the moderate conditions.
Tactics from Loick Peyron and navigator Yoann Richomme were crucial as the team navigated a congested racecourse with multiple mark roundings. Despite two modest starts, including being over the line early in the second race, the team capitalised on their speed and favourable course sides.
In the championship standings, the battle for the top spot was fierce among Platoon Aviation and Sled, with the latter gaining ground after Paprec’s performance. Leading team Platoon Aviation, helmed by Harm Müller-Spreer, had a challenging day, conceding points to Sled, and now leads the season standings by nine points.
Trinity Racing, helmed by Ed Baird, had a mixed performance with a win in the first race followed by a 14th place in the second. Other notable performances included Andrea Lacorte’s Alkedo Cetilar and Tony Langley’s Gladiator, who also faced ups and downs throughout the day.
Stéphane Névé from Paprec expressed satisfaction with their opening day, highlighting their ability to recover from poor starts. Platoon Aviation’s Victor Marino acknowledged the difficulties posed by the large fleet and variable winds but remained optimistic.
Sled’s navigator Andrea Visintini noted that the day was challenging yet rewarding, with significant shifts in wind direction requiring strategic decision-making.
John Huhn’s American team Katana made an impressive debut, finishing with two ninth-place results.
Standings after two races:
1. Paprec (FRA), Jean-Luc Petithuguenin, 2+3 = 5
2. Vayu (THA), Whitcraft Family, 8+2 = 10
3. Sled, Takashi Okura, 5+5 = 10
4. Alkedo Cetilar (ITA), Andrea Lacorte, 10+1 = 11
5. No Way Back (NED), Pieter Heerema, 4+7 = 11
6. Platoon Aviation (GER), Harm Müller-Spreer, 6+6 = 12
7. Trinity Racing (SWE), Joakim Sundberg, 1+14 = 15
8. Teasing Machine (FRA), Eric de Turckheim, 7+8 = 15
9. Gladiator (GBR), Tony Langley, 3+13 = 16
10. Provezza (TUR), Ergin Imre, 14+4 = 18
11. Katana (USA), John Huhn, 9+9 = 18
12. Alpha + (HKG), Shawn & Tina Kang, 11+11 = 22
13. Vudu (ITA), Mauro Gestri, 15+10 = 25
14. Alegre (GBR), Andy Soriano, 13+12 = 25
15. Crioula (BRA), Eduardo & Renato Plass, 12+16 = 28
16. Caballo Loco (BRA), Mauro Dottori, 16+15 = 31
52 SUPER SERIES – Pure Performance
www.52superseries.com
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