Racing round-up Since Tuesday, each of the four competing groups has managed to validate two races over courses spanning around fifteen miles, singularly complicated by the whims of a frequently evanescent breeze, which has tormented the strategists, navigators and trimmers. It is said that a good sailor can also perform well in light airs, in which case the 800 sailors competing at Les Voiles this week are the.
Racing round-up Since Tuesday, each of the four competing groups has managed to validate two races over courses spanning around fifteen miles, singularly complicated by the whims of a frequently evanescent breeze, which has tormented the strategists, navigators and trimmers. It is said that a good sailor can also perform well in light airs, in which case the 800 sailors competing at Les Voiles this week are the champions of the world. This evening, it is the McKeon design Pattoo that has sailed to best effect at the start of this week. Indeed, at the midway mark in the competition, she is tied on points with Morgana (Reichel Pugh) in the Maxi 1 group, vying for the North Sails Trophy, and just one point ahead of the enormous Jasi (Swan 115 Frers). Spirit of Malouen X , the French Wally 107, has made a remarkable comeback in fourth place thanks to her success yesterday. The Galeries Bartoux Trophy rewards the best yacht in the Maxi 2 group. 13 craft, each more remarkable than the next, make up this category, which includes the sprightly 72-foot Maxis. The Vrolijkdesign North Star , is topping the leader board this evening after bagging a win yesterday and a second place on Tuesday. Cannonball (Botin 72) is following in her wake after some similarly sublime performances. Sir Peter Ogden’s Vrolijk design Jethou is hot on their heels just 3 points shy of the top spot. The Maxi 3s clashing swords for the Besserat de Bellefon Trophy comprise twelve 18 to 33 m racers. It’s the amazing and venerable Capricorno , launched in 1995, which is really holding her own against the fearsome Wally 77 Lyra . There’s still everything to play for in this group though, with the Swan 601 Les Amis already pulling off a creditable performance thanks to a great victory in Tuesday’s race. Finally, the Maxi 4 group battling for the Torpez Trophy is also unwilling to reveal a clear winner so far. The beautiful ketch Saïda , a 1973 Swan 65, is duelling hard with the 12mR Kiwi Magic KZ7 , the pair constantly jockeying for position at the front of the fleet under the envious gaze of French Kiss , the group’s other 12mR.
Reduced weight in light airs Luca Bassani, the visionary founder and Chief Designer of Wally, has created an iconic brand and shaped a very special spirit with an uncluttered aesthetic. His manufacturing approach is dictated by a very specific philosophy. “Wally has always been synonymous with innovation, a combination of the latest technologies and a contemporary design, and it is constantly seeking ways to improve the experience out on the water through performance, comfort and style.”