Valencia 52 Super Series Royal Cup – Day 3
by 52 Super Series 26 Sep 09:43 PDT
23-28 September 2024
With three races scheduled for today and forecasts from all major models predicting winds around 20 knots, there was significant disappointment at the Marina of Valencia when racing could not proceed due to the breeze being excessively strong for the 13 TP52 yachts poised to compete on Day 3 of the Valencia 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup.
The racing fleet was sent out for a planned start at 1200 hours, but sustained winds exceeded 30 knots, with gusts reaching 35 knots. The fleet was returned to shore, and by 1600 hours, it was evident that the winds showed no signs of easing.
In theory, the postponement benefits Tony Langley’s circuit leaders, Gladiator, who now carry a 12-point lead into the penultimate day of the season on Friday. In turn, Quantum Racing, supported by American Magic in second place, and Platoon Aviation see their standings slightly diminished.
Gladiator’s Zirilli: “We want to race”
Bruno Zirilli, the Italian navigator and four-time 52 SUPER SERIES champion for Gladiator, expressed, “It’s certainly disappointing to be waiting, but we attempted to race this morning; the winds were genuinely up at 30-35 knots. It’s unsafe in such conditions, and we don’t want to take unnecessary risks. Mathematically, our position at the top is beneficial, but there’s still potential for five or six races. We expect winds of 13-20 knots tomorrow from a tricky direction, so three races are still feasible.”
Platoon’s Mariño: “We feel strong.”
With his signature smile, Platoon Aviation’s helmsman Victor Mariño remains very optimistic, stating, “Now we have a reduced opportunity to score points, but we feel strong. We are improving both the boat and as a team, and we’re feeling good. Let’s aim for three races tomorrow and see if we can catch Gladiator on the final day. We feel fortunate; it feels like this is our event and our moment.”
Quantum Racing’s coach, James Lyne, commented, “We want to compete. Our goal is to give ourselves the best opportunity to finish the season strongly.”
In social news, the Mayoress of Valencia, María José Catalá, visited the Marina to learn about the event, accompanied by the General Manager of 52 SUPER SERIES, Agustín Zulueta, who noted the city’s high-ranking official’s keen interest:
“Having the Mayoress visit us is a tremendous honor. To host an event of this caliber in a port renowned for hosting the America’s Cup in 2007 is fantastic for us and beneficial for the city. The Mayoress was highly impressed by the Marina’s facilities, the teams’ quality, and the overall atmosphere, and she was particularly surprised by King Marine as a high-tech shipyard. Mrs. Catalá shared the municipal council’s numerous plans for this dock, emphasizing that all of them are centered around sports, high technology, and international projects that invigorate the Marina, directly benefiting the city’s residents and visitors through the significant economic return they generate.”
