Foto copyright Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Fuente info Regattanews
ESCAPE FROM CAPRI - 11.45 CEST UP-DATE
During the night, Andres Soriano’s Mills 68, Alegre pulled away from the fleet, touching over 11 knots of boat speed, effortlessly gliding through the Tyrrhenian Sea. By dawn, Alegre was passing Capri, over 25 miles ahead of her nearest rival, Danilo Salsi’s Swan 90, DSK Pioneer Investments. Alegre boasts a top class crew, including Neapolitan local, Francesco de Angelis. But even this legend of the America’s Cup, with his vast skills and consummate knowledge, could not prevent the lack of wind, as Alegre came to a virtual halt in the strait between the magical island and the Italian mainland. Meanwhile DSK Pioneer Investements were in good breeze and closing the gap.
Antonio Mesa Cervignon’s Frers 70, Armeigin III had a fantastic night sail, pulling off a bold move after rounding Ponza. Skipper, Lionel Péan is a shrewd competitor and a past winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race. Armeigin III is now locked in a titanic duel for third place on the water with Gerard Logel's Swan 601 @Robas. The French crew onboard the Swan 601, led by owner and driver Logel, have been key participants in the Rolex Swan Cup since it’s conception, winning the prestigious event in 2009.
The Rolex Volcano Race enters another fascinating day of racing with the fleet needing to decide on a key strategic decision. This morning the Bay of Naples has very little wind but offshore there may be a north west wind of about 5-7 knots. After rounding Capri, the fleet will need to decide whether to go in search of the offshore breeze or wait for the sea breeze to develop.
Alegre made it through the windless region at Capri at about 1000 local time and started to accelerate towards the next mark of the course, the volcanic island of Stromboli 114 nautical miles south of Capri.
Just after 1100 local time, Alegre’s navigator, Simon Fisher reported in. “It was hard going last night, we did have periods of good winds but these were interspersed with some light patches, which meant a lot of sail changes. Rounding Capri was a bit of an anxious time but we firmly believe that Stromboli provides the biggest challenge of this race. We may be well out in front but we are not taking anything for granted.”
