The third day of racing in the 52 SUPER SERIES 2023 was marked by challenging weather conditions.
Strong winds of around 20 knots and waves of over two metres tested the teams, resulting in significant damage to the two main contenders for the title.
After a first day without competition due to lack of wind and a storm, and three intense races on the second day, the third day presented difficult conditions that led to significant changes in the fight for the title.
The day began with the withdrawal of Platoon due to damage to her rig before the first race could begin. This seemed to put an end to the German team’s (second in the 52 SUPER SERIES 2023) title hopes. However, in a surprising twist, Provezza, the circuit leader and Platoon’s main rival, also had to retire just seconds into the first race.
The first race of the day was sailed with only ten teams due to the withdrawal of Platoon, and then reduced to nine when Provezza had to stop suddenly at the start of the course due to rigging problems. This posed a risk to the safety of the crew, leading to their withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the race saw four different teams leading at different times. Although Gladiator led on the last leg, Phoenix made the right strategic decision and overtook his rival on the final stretch to the finish. Just two seconds separated the two boats at the finish. American Sled finished third. Both Platoon and Provezza scored 12 points.
In the next race, with nine boats still racing, Sled managed to lead the crucial first leg of the course, but Phoenix again chose the better side in the first manoeuvre to secure a lead he would not relinquish.
The team of Tony Norris and Ed Baird took their third consecutive partial victory, securing their position at the top of the provisional standings for the final race of the day. Sled and Interlodge followed them at the finish. Again, Platoon and Provezza scored 12 points each.
Platoon made an impressive comeback in the third and final race, after a record repair that offered the opportunity to gain valuable points against Provezza in the fight for the title.
The race saw a thrilling duel between Gladiator and Quantum Racing powered by American Magic, which was eventually won by the British by one second in a very close finish. Platoon secured a valuable third place, closing to within six points of leader Provezza in the overall circuit standings, who again scored 12 points.
Provisional classification Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week
1. PHOENIX (RSA) Hasso Plarner, 5+3+1+1+1+5 = 16
2. SLED (USA), Takashi Okura, 6+5,5+5,5+3+2+4 = 26
3. QUANTUM RACING POWERED BY AMERICAN MAGIC (USA), Doug DeVos, 4+4+3+5+9+2 = 27
4. INTERLODGE (USA), Austin y Gwen Fragomen, 8+2+8+4+3+6 = 31
5. GLADIATOR (GBR), Tony Langley, 1+12+7+2+5+2(+4) = 32
6. ALEGRE (GBR), Andy Soriano, 2+7+6+9+4+8 = 36
7. ALPHA+ (HKG), Shawn y Tina Kang, 7+1+9+6+7+9 = 39
8. PLATOON (GER), Harm Müller-Spreer, 3+5,5+5,5+12+12+3 = 41
9. VAYU (THA), Familia Whitcraft, 11+5+5+7+6+10 = 44
10. PAPREC (FRA), Jean-Luc Pethuguenin, 10+8+4+8+8+7(+1) = 46
11. PROVEZZA (TUR), Ergin Imre, 9+6+2+12+12+12 = 53
Provisional standings 52 SUPER SERIES 2023
1. PROVEZZA (TUR), Ergin Imre, 34+42+35+26+53 = 190
2. PLATOON (GER), Harm Müller-Spreer, 45+51+34+25+41 = 196
3. QUANTUM RACING POWERED BY AMERICAN MAGIC (USA), Doug DeVos, 40+43+54+43+27 = 207
4. GLADIATOR (GBR), Tony Langley, 40+66+41+34+32 = 213
5. SLED (USA), Takashi Okura, 45+52+46,5+51+26 = 220,5
6. ALEGRE (GBR), Andy Soriano, 43+64+46+44+36= 233
7. VAYU (THA), Familia Whitcraft, 58+48+65+54+44 = 269
8. PHOENIX (RSA) Hasso Plattner, 57+71+100+39+16 = 283
9. INTERLODGE (USA), Austin y Gwen Fragomen, 45+54+100+58+31 = 288
10. PAPREC (FRA), Jean-Luc Pethuguenin, 56+81+58+88+46 =329
11. ALPHA+ (HKG), Shawn y Tina Kang, 65+91+72+66+39 = 333
SOURCE: 52 Super Series Media Office
IMAGES: Villegas Photo
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