Never a dull moment at Cartagena
Tuesday 15 September 2009, 9:31AM
By Emirates Team New Zealand
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Emirates Team New Zealand has claimed second place in the practice race for the last Audi MedCup regatta of the season.
With a 52-point lead going in to the Region of Murcia trophy at Cartagena, Spain, all eyes – and the pressure – is on skipper Dean Barker and his crew.
Dean Barker remembers Cartagena from last year: “This is a tricky race course and that was proved again today. There was never a dull moment out there. There was no rhyme nor reason for what was happening.
“It was shifty and it was puffy and hard to be consistent, so we are very happy with today.
“It is going to be one of those weeks. It will be difficult to be consistent and that’s what we need. Anywhere in the top three is a good result on this race course.”
Spanish yacht Bribon, which won the Cartagena regatta in 2008, was first across the line today.
Grant Dalton: “Like any venue on the first day the fleet tends to split on the first beat as the teams try to work out which side works the best.
“Today was no exception, some went right, some went left. We were in the left bunch and that was the correct way. We rounded the first mark in second place and that’s how it stayed for the rest of the race.
“But it’s only the practice race; racing proper starts tomorrow. There are conflicting forecasts at this stage, one calling for breeze on the other for light air. I hope for the former. But it will be what it will be.”
Audi MedCup Circuit 2009
Caja Mediterráneo Region of Murcia Trophy
Practice Race
1. Bribón (ESP)
2. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), +01:33
3. Synergy (RUS), +01:40
4. Artemis (SWE), +02:16
5. Quantum Racing (USA), +02:20
Series leaderboard after four regattas
1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), 38+27,5+28+25= 118.5 points
2. Matador (ARG), 36+47.5+42,5+44.5= 170.5 points
3. Quantum Racing (USA), 40+41,5+65+29= 175.5 points
4. Artemis (SWE), 37+62.5+49.5+26.5= 175.5 points
5. Bigamist (POR), 46+55.5+57+30,5= 189 points
6. Bribon (ESP), 79+62.5+58.5+40.5 = 240.5 points
7. Synergy (RUS), 74+63+57+47.5 = 241.5 points
8. Valars lll (RUS), 82+69+86.5+62 = 299.5 points
9. Audi Q8 (RUS), 89+88+94.5+57 = 328.5 points
10. Cristabella (GBR), 126+99+94+53 = 372 points