| PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN-(29-7-2003) To summarize, we can underline about today’s race: Subaru XC-Sport’s pressure before the Caixa Galicia, its twin boat; and the Bribón which is making a spectacular regatta by the moment. The rest of the IMS 500 fleet is not comfortable at the regatta’s field. Only the Balearia -as representative of the small boats-, is taking advantage of the wind conditions. In IMS 600, the fight for the top positions is not defined yet, only the Italtel can be a candidate for the final podium.
The first race
The main favourites of this Copa del Rey-Agua Brava ventured in this second day after yesterday’s results. The start of the IMS 500 went off with the Subaru X-Sport´s going off the line before time, having to start again; while at the middle of the course, the Bribón reached the top with a spectacular tactic after two small shifts: the first shift on the right and the second one on the left. On its side, the Caixa Galicia tried to overtake marking the Bribón closely.
At the arrival of the windward buoy, Bribón was at the top, followed by Subaru X-Sport shortly seconds, and thanks to an amazing overtaking as it managed to sail on the right side of the regatta´s field as the wind shifted in favour with this boat. The Caixa Galicia sailed in third position with more distance but waiting the stern to overtake seconds.
The Caixa Galicia as well as the Subaru X-Sport started their particular fight at the end of the course, distracting the Bribón´s marking in the wind’s eye. But finally, and after balanced time, the first place was reached by the Subaru X-Sport, Baleária in the second place, and third, Bribón.
From the beginning in IMS 600, Italtel escaped from the rest of the fleet with an unusual facility, passing the first buoy with more than a minute before the Husa Hoteles. The last one made an excellent sailing followed by Jazztel, which sailed more distanced. These tree boats were so separated from the rest of the fleet that, the remaining of the race has been a particular fight among them, limiting to maintain the distance from the fourth, Wind and World Cargo, fifth.
SUBARU X-SPORT AND ZURICH WINNERS IN THE THIRD TEST
At 15.50 hours took place the start of the second test for the IMS 500, with a balanced wind of 195 and an intensity of 8 knots. The Bribón, Azur de Puig and Caixa Galicia started out of line, having to start again. The Subaru X-Sport sailed running away and controlling the rest of the fleet, while behind it, the Balearia reached the top places in balanced time. After sailing 10.3 miles in the third race, the Subaru X-Sport won the test, followed by Caixa Galicia and Balearia, third.
In IMS 600, after a “general call” was made, there have been minimum changes in this test as the wind maintained the direction.
The Zurich leading the race, marked the rate of the navigation, followed by the Italtel and the Forum Filatélico. The Husa Hoteles fourth, and the Wind fifth, closed the top boats at more distance.
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