Container Creaming It After Two Races in Cagliari

Container have kicked off their quest to win the Audi Med Cup Region of Sardinia Trophy Regatta by clocking up a first and second on the first day to lead the overall standings by two points.

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

The recipe of a Kiwi tactician in Hamish Pepper with a sprinkling of consistency and little bit of luck in Cagliari’s blustery, offshore Mistral breezes is working out nicely.

It was a tough day at the office as the mighty 25 knot plus winds funnelled down the long flat valley to the north of the race area and then kept everyone on their toes with lighter 15-17 knot breezes and wind directions that were all over the shop.

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

Quantum Racing had a shocker with two uncharacteristic sixth places.

The first race was a dual between the Vrolijk designed sister-ships Container and Ràn. Niklas Zennstrom’s Ràn lead at the first windward mark, but Container pushed down the right hand side of the first run and squeezed round the leeward gate in first place ahead of Quantum Racing. On the second run the Americans gybed away to the left and lost three vital places.

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

As the wind peaked at 24 knots Audi Azzurra Sailing Team ripped their kite as they approach the leeward gate. With the remnants flying from the masthead like a demented pennant, the kite touched two rigs before breaking free to become an unwanted addition to Bribon’s upwind sail plan. Azzurra Scopped a penalty but fought back to take fifth on the final run.

Photo: Stefano Gattini_Studio Borlenghi/Audi MedCup

In the second windward-leeward contest ALL4One, lead by helm Jochen Schuemann, smoked it on the left side of the first beat after a great start off the left hand pin end of the start line. Sister-ship Azzurra challenged them at the leeward gate but the crew couldn't tame their spinnaker fast enough after a late drop, and finished third behind Container who scored a second.

Container weren't looking too crash hot and were last at the first turn but Pepper read the shifts and pressure well to gain 20 seconds and pick off three places on the first run. 

They shot past Synergy on the final run to finish second, while the Russian team copped a penalty on the finish line. 

Results:
Region of Sardinia Trophy
52 Series
Results after two races:
1. Container (GER), 1+2=3 points
2. Audi Sailing Team Powered by All4One (EUR), 4+1=5 points
3. RÀN (SWE), 2+5= 7 points
4. Audi Azzurra Sailing Team (ITA), 5+3=8 points
5. Synergy Russian Sailing Team (RUS), 3+7=10 points
6. Bribón (ESP), 7+4=11 points
7. Quantum Racing (USA), 6+6=12 points
8. Gladiator (GBR), 9(DNC)+9(DNC)=18 points

Lulu Roseman