Audi MedCup Circuit, the Caja Mediterreneo Region of Murcia Trophy Regatta starts Tuesday. In 2008 when Jose Cusi’s Bribón (ESP) won, it was predominantly a light winds regatta. Last year it was Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) who won in big winds, triumphing at their fourth regatta in a row to clinch their overall 2009 Audi MedCup Circuit title.
For the third consecutive visit to Murcia mainly light to moderate winds are expected for the first few days of this Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy regatta, probably averaging around 10-11 knots.
No matter the wind strengths it is a difficult, challenging and complex venue, heavily influenced by the steep, high cliffs on the shore, the wide flat land to the north east of the race area is flanked by high, rocky mountains to the north of the race track which channels any breeze from this direction.
As the penultimate regatta of the season, among the TP52 Series fleet there are a range of different targets which teams are seeking to fulfil here.
For Emirates Team New Zealand their key objective is to preserve or extend their overall lead, whilst for the likes of TeamOrigin (GBR), Bribon, Cristabella (GBR) if they can play to their strengths in the lighter breezes it would give some of these middle order teams a fighting chance of winning their first regatta of the season as well as helping them climb the leaderboard. Equally, Quantum Racing (USA) and Artemis (SWE) aim for their second regattas wins of the season and seek to reduce their deficit on the Kiwi leaders.
The British America’s Cup team have been showing very well over the days of informal practice.
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