Race 2 of the Superyacht Cup Palma today presented navigators and helmsmen with the challenge of sailing through a confused wind pattern caused by the offshore breeze fighting against the afternoon sea breeze creating a series of wind pockets around the bay.
The race start was brought forward from 1300 to 1100 due to the forecasted conditions. With a downwind start, most of the fleet hoisted their spinnakers as they crossed the line and headed down the bay in around 18knots of breeze. But as the offshore breeze met with the sea breeze during the middle of the race, the wind dropped in patches causing a spread of the fleet as the leading yachts were first to find the new stronger breeze.
The sleek Firefly was the first to pick up the breeze and broke away from the fleet to a convincing lead over the finish line followed by Atalante, Maria Cattiva and last years Superyacht Cup winner Drumfire.
Despite the earlier race finish, spirits were high as the fleet returned dockside to a welcome happy hour in the bar.
Steady winds are expected in the bay for the last race tomorrow as the fleet compete for final points ahead of the evenings prizegiving ceremony.
Results – Day 2, 22 June 2012
Class 1
Firefly
Scorpione dei Mare
Highland Breeze
Ganesha
Saudade
Ivanka
Class 2
Atalante
Maria Cattiva
Drumfire
This is Us
Ithaka
Reesle
Cumulative Results
Class 1
Highland Breeze
Firefly
Scorpione dei Mare
Ganesha
Ivanka
Saudade
Class 2
Atalante
Maria Cattiva
This is Us
Reesle
Ithaka
Drumfire