Sanxenxo kicked off the tenth edition on Friday with maximum equality in 6 Metres and Portuguese dominance in Optimist. The ORC 0-4 crews also made their debut, competing for the Xacobeo Trophy and the ‘Presidente de la Xunta’ Trophy.
The tenth edition of the Rey Juan Carlos I – El Corte Inglés Máster Regatta got underway on Friday in the Pontevedra estuary with a debut that did not disappoint. The Real Club Náutico de Sanxenxo sounded the starting signal for an event that brings together more than 180 boats in seven classes and kicked off with the 6 Metres, Optimists, disabled sailing and the ORC 0-4 fleet taking centre stage.
High-level duel between Alibabá II and Joy in 6 Metres
The 6 Metre class, fighting for the Diputación de Pontevedra Trophy, was responsible for opening the competition with two races held off Sanxenxo in an 8-knot NW’erly wind. José Ignacio del Toro’s Joy won the first race, followed by Miguel Lago’s Alibabá II and Titia – who on this occasion is competing aboard Acacia. The crew of Bribon, with Jane Abascal at the helm of Erica, finished fourth.
In the second race of the day, the duel between Joy and Alibabá II was won by the latter, with Bribon third and Titia fourth. After this first race, Joy and Alibabá II are tied at three points, with Lago’s boat coming out on top. Bribon is in third place, four points behind.
Optimist: Portuguese dominance on the first day
The ABANCA Optimist fleet, with 132 sailors on the water, completed three races divided into Gold and Silver groups. The steady wind of around eight knots allowed for fast and very close races, with very tight starts and a demanding current in the last race. The provisional standings are dominated by Portugal with Pedro Firmeza in the lead, followed by his compatriot António Moreira and José de Linares from Málaga in third place.
Debut of disabled sailing and ORC 0-4
The five teams in the Quirónprevención Disabled Sailing class sailed in the vicinity of the RCNS breakwater, completing a total of five races with great equality in each start.
At the same time, the ORC 0-4 fleet began its programme in the race area located between the island of Ons and A Lanzada beach. With very favourable conditions, averaging eight knots, the teams competed in two fast and tactical races that have already left several favourites at the top of the Xacobeo Trophy and the President of the Xunta Trophy.
Tomorrow, Saturday, debut for the rest of the classes The second day of the 10th King Juan Carlos I – El Corte Inglés Master Regatta will bring the seven participating classes into play. From 11:00 am, the Optimist competition will continue, while at 1:00 pm the Mahou J80, Volvo Balpersa JCH Veterans and ORC Open will make their debut in the estuary, in addition to the fleets that already made their debut today.
