CAIXA GALICIA REMAINS LEADER up to the LAST REGATTA.
ITALTEL: VIRTUAL WINNER IN IMS 600
[ 8-2-2003 / 19:7 ]

IN TODAY’S RACES, BALEARIA WINS IN IMS 500 ONCE AGAIN, WHILE JAZZTEL TRIUMPHS IN IMS 600

The IMS 500 and IMS 600 fleet waited impatiently the start of today’s races considering that tomorrow there is just one leg to go. There is a lot at stake, and the top leaders started acting according to the tactical classification.

The IMS 500 started at 13.00 hours with 195 mild wind of 8 knots. From the beginning, Caixa Galicia and Subaru X-Sport marked closely, tough Subaru X-Sport lead the the initiative. The rest of the fleet took advantage of this situation to get into an unmarked position. After an amazing start, CAM reached the top positions as well as Bribón. Subaru X-Sport dominated closely the royal boat, CAM and Caixa Galicia when passing windward beacon; while, as in yesterday’s race, the wind increased intensity in the wind’s eye, favouring Balearia of Toño Gorostegui – one of the more experienced sailing masters in the Copa del Rey-Agua Brava.

At the last haul, the committee prepared a change of course for the last stern as the wind shifted 20 degrees. Once again, Balearia won, reaching the third place in general classification. Cristabella in second place, made a great regatta followed by Subaru X-Sport and CAM. This last one -of HM prince Felipe- got its best classification by the moment.

Regarding IMS 600 group, the regatta was very contended between two separated fights: Italtel vs. Zurich and Forum Filatélico vs. Wind. Italtel, taking advantage of this situation, reached the first buoy more than 1 minute ahead. This difference helped Jazztel to dominate easily the rest of the fleet. Following Jazztel, Zurich qualified in second position before Italtel, third.

CAIXA GALICIA WINS THE SECOND RACE: THE FINAL
RESULTS IN IMS 500 ARE LESS OF A MISTERY. ITALTEL CHERISHED THE TRIUMPH WINNING FOR THE 5TH TIME

The second race of the day was exciting: when the fleet steered to windward buoy -with 230 wind of 12 knots-, the wind changed its intensity and direction. This changes meant a renew shift on the right of almost 250, dramatically hampering the tactics of the fleet’s majority. Caixa Galicia and Bribón sailed at the top followed by Cam and Codorníu – Breakkies. These conditions were very positive for them to command their boats with accuracy. Finally and after 12.5 miles, the classification was decided by less than 40 seconds. Caixa Galicia reached first place, 35 seconds before Balearia and 39 seconds before Bribón, third.

From beginning to the end, IMS 600 group has been dominated by Italtel. During the Copa del Rey-Agua Brava, this Italian boat has showed why she helds the top position: not only being the fastest, but being the most regular. Following Italtel, Wind overtook points with a second place reached in this test. Telefónica Movistar got third position and fourth Zurich, tying safely the final second post.

Official Site - Copa del Rey Agua Brava