GC32s @Key West 2015: Day 1

Images & Report by GC32 Racing. Results Here–
“Quantum Key West Race Week set sail today with the GC32s playing with the ‘big boys’, sailing on the same course as but starting five minutes later than the Mini Maxis.

Two races were held in a light, patchy 6-9 knots, meaning that the tacticians had their work cut out to seek out the best pressure on the course. In these marginal foiling conditions, hunting down an extra couple of knots made all the difference, as ARMIN STROM Sailing Team skipper Flavio Marazzi put it: “It was hard to see the breeze, and which breeze would work and to make sure you started in the right position. Upwind, in 6-8 knots if you catch a little bit more you are around 4-5 knots faster immediately. So it makes a big difference.”

Race one was claimed by Jason Carroll’s ARGO Team, a fine achievement in their competitive debut in the GC32 class. Marazzi’s team came home third, which the Swiss former Olympic Star helm put down to taking too much risk which resulted in the boats on the right side of the first beat finding better pressure. However ARMIN STROM Sailing Team, which is the most experienced GC32 crew competing in Key West, came good to win race two.

However at the end of play on the opening day it is ARGO with two time Melges 32 World Champion Jason Carroll on the helm that leads Marazzi by a point. Erik Maris with his French crew on ZouLou is third and newbie Alex Jackson on Leenabarca is fourth.

Today it was only possible to foil downwind so those leading into the top mark were able to extend away down the run. Fortunately the forecast for more wind is looking more promising for tomorrow”.—