First point on the board for INEOS Rebels UK

The opening day of the GC32 Villasimius Cup, the first event on the 2019 GC32 Racing Tour saw a stiff southwesterly buffeting the ten GC32 catamarans while moored in the Marina di Villasimus as their crews prepared for the season’s first encounter.

Unfortunately once out on the water and preparing for the 1300 CET start the wind went through a 180° and dropped, now coming from off the shore. Mercifully this wind stabilised itself for long enough to get one race completed and a second started.

In the former the majority favoured the left hand, inshore side with INEOS Rebels UK and Red Bull Sailing Team winning the pin. It was only the Phil Robertson-helmed ChinaONE Ningbo that tried the right, at one point looking in good shape. At the top mark it was a confident-looking Ben Ainslie and his INEOS Rebels UK that rounded first.

“Getting around that left turn first was key to the race,” admits INEOS Rebels UK tactician Giles Scott, who last week claimed his third Finn European Championship title (in addition to his Worlds title and Olympic gold from Rio 2016). “Things got a little bit tight on the next beat with Oman Air and NORAUTO getting lifted inside.”

Nonetheless the British America’s Cup team held on and finished with a comfortable lead.

Prize for the most improved team must go to Federico Ferioli’s Codigo Rojo Racing from Argentina, which finished fourth in today’s race and was holding third in the second.

Giles Scott agreed with the race committee’s decision to cancel the second race. But regarding tomorrow’s forecast he warns: “It is similar – with a decent cloud of uncertainty!”

Overall results after one race
1. INEOS Rebels UK
2. NORAUTO
3. Oman Air
4. Codigo Rojo Racing
5. Zoulou
6. Alinghi
7. Argo
8. Black Star Sailing Team
9. CHINAone NINGBO
10. Red Bull Sailing Team

www.gc32racingtour.com