Racing

RC44 Racing in Virgin Gorda

The RC44 class moved its traveling circus to the BVI's Virgin Gorda Sound in February for some excellent mid-winter action.

By By Martinezstudio.es

February 22, 2014

Updated: February 22, 2014

RC44 Peninusula Petroleum

Peninsula Petroleum had led the RC44 Virgin Gorda Cup since day one, for the final day all they needed to do was stick with the same format; consistency and staying out of trouble. But the day didn’t go to plan for the Gibraltar based team, allowing Chris Bake’s Team Aqua to snatch victory on the final race of the event. Racing was again inside Virgin Gorda’s North Sound. As the fleet got underway Peninsula Petroleum were given a red flag penalty off the startline of the day’s opening race, putting them to the back of the fleet. Vasco Vascotto calling the shots for John Bassadone got the team back in touch with the fleet by the second beat. But a port-starboard incident with Gazprom Youth Sailing Challenge, saw the Russian team head back into the dock with a gaping hole in the side of their RC44 and retire from racing. Martinezstudio.es

RC44s racing offshore of Virgin Gorda

Team Nika puts one of its spinnakers out of commission during the distance race. © Martinezstudio.es

RC 44 Bombarda

New to the RC44 class for 2014 is the Italian team Bombarda Racing, owned by Andera Pozzi , which are sailing with an all Italian crew led by tactician Gabriele Benussi. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC44 Aleph Racing

France’s Aleph Racing, with match-racing champ Mathieu Richard calling tactics, was sixth of 10 boats in the Virgin Gorda Cup. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC44 washdown

While owners relax, crews give the boats a thorough washdown each day at the YC Costa Smeralda’s Virgin Gorda clubhouse. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

Team Aqua at the RC44 Virgin Gorda Cup

Team Aqua have two new crew members this season, the team seem to have gelled straight away. Owner Chris Bake plans to keep the close knit team together for the whole season. “We’re going to try and keep the team solid, it’s important because when the racing is this close it’s all about the crew work, everyone has to pull together and work well together. Both Jono (Swain) and Simon (Johnson) have stepped into the team and performed really well.” Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC 44 Peninsula Petroleum

Even after sustaining serious damage in the final day, team Peninsula Petroleum returned to the racecourse and continued to battle for critical tour points, finishing second overall to Chris Bake’s Team Aqua. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC44 Team Nika

Newcomers to the RC44 Class, Team Nika struggled against the veteran teams, but put the experience to valuable time on the water in a supreme winter training destination. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC44s In Virgin Gorda

Onboard the RC44 Artemis Racing. Martinezstudio.es

RC44 Artemis Racing

The view from onboard Artemis Racing inside Virgin Gorda, keeping pace with regatta winner Team Aqua to leeward. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

Crewwork on Artemis Racing

On the RC44, every crewmember has plenty to do in the manuevers, which is why pro sailors and owners continue to enjoy the competition. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC44s in Virgin Gorda

The close confines of Virgin Gorda Sound provide close racing, and lots opportunities to shake up the standings. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

RC 44 Virgin Gorda Cup start

Racing held just off the docks of YCCS. Nico Martinez/MartinezStudio

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