The 95 competitiors at this years Copa Del Rey Regatta in Palma, Majorca, sailing in the IMS 500, 60 and 670 fleets were greeted yeaterday with difficult conditions that forced some essential course changes from the Race Committee.
The first race for the IMS 500 fleet began on time at 11 in the morning with a 10.5 mile windward leeward course. 8-10 knots of South-westerly breeze at start time look set to promise perfect racing conditions for the IMS boats and the first start got away without incident. Orlanda-Olimpus and Bribon were the best starters at the port end with the majority of the fleet opting for a mid-line launch.
By the first leeward mark it was in fact Caixa Galicia who rounded first, followed by Tau Ceramica-UBS and Honda. Behind them came Bribon and Orlanda-Olympus.
The second race, a slightly longer windward leeward course of 12.7 miles started at a little before 4:00 in the afternoon. Tau Cerámica-UBS as well as Honda had a risky start, going to the right of the fleet whilst Bribon, CAM and Caixa Galicia chose the left hand side.
At the first mark, boats that had gone left looked good and it was Bribon leading with Azur De Puig right up there. Eventually, Bribon took the race win whilst Cam was second and Caixa Galicia third. Caixa Galicia currently leads the series.
A full report from all classes, as well as a full results list, is available on the event website at the address below.