Quantum Smoking Hot in Marseille

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

There was a whiff of frustration for teams competing at Audi MedCup on Marseille’s Rade Sud today. But the delays and light winds didn't bother Quantum Racing who have emerged as leaders after the first day of racing.

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

The day's first race finally got underway in 7-11 knots after a 90 minute delay. Audi Azzurra were on fire, flying off the line like a rocket with a noticeable speed advantage over Quantum and Synergy. The Italians, skippered by Guilermo Parada (ARG), led at the first turning mark and from there extended their lead over Synergy. Quantum Racing looked to be in trouble as they slowed off the start line, but a clever clearing tack into wind pressure enabled them to get back into the match and they finished fourth behind Bribon. 

Photo: Nico Martinez/Audi MedCup

After another delay the second heat was raced in lighter conditions of just 5-7 knots.

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

Audi Azzurra Sailing Team,  found themselves compressed and slowed away from the gun while Quantum made a smart early move to the left and  gain on the final approach to the windward mark where they squeezed inside Bribon.

Photo: Nico Martinez/Audi MedCup

In the fading breeze and stunning evening sunshine the two lead boats opened up over a duel between Synergy and Container. The Russian flagged team had the advantage at the final turn but during the hoist their spinnaker snagged and exploded allowing Markus Wieser and his German team through to take third.

Photo: Nico Martinez/Audi MedCup

Quantum's fourth and first places position them on top of the Marseille Trophy leaderboard, ahead of  Bribon second only on countback. 

Marseille Trophy
52 Series

Results after 2 races
1. Quantum Racing (USA), 4+1= 5 points
2. Bribón (ESP), 3+2= 5 points
3. Synergy Russian Sailing Team (RUS), 2+4= 6 points
4. Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (ITA), 1+7= 8 points
5. Container (GER), 7+3= 10 points
6. Ràn (SUE), 5+5= 10 points
7. Audi Sailing Team Powered by All4One (EUR), 6+6= 12points
8. Gladiator (GBR), 8+8=16 points

Lulu Roseman