(Santander, Spain)- One of the world's top J/80 fleets is at it again. When the Santander J/80 fleet gets rolling in early January on the spectacular northern shores of Spain, it not only marks the start of the J/80 sailing season in Spain, it is also an opportunity for the newer J/80 teams to test themselves against some of the world's best sailors. The first trophy event of the season for the Santander J/80s is the Trofeo Bodegas Maximo Bolado, an event that runs for over four weekends and attracts many of Spain's top J/80 sailors from other fleets- the depth of talent in the twenty-eight boat fleet is simply breath-taking!
The first weekend saw two very tough races sailed in beautiful spring weather. The day started slowly with a postponement, but by 1500 hours the wind began to blow from the northwest about eight knots. The race course was set south of the navigation channel in the area known as "The Moors", making for tough tactical decisions regarding both current and wind as the breeze kept veering in an oscillating-persistent scenario further Northeast.
In the first race, the favored side of the line was the port "pin" end, but the wind shifted to the right so much that the entire fleet arrived in a very compact package at the first windward mark. Setting the standard by leading at the first windward mark was Pichu Torcida's J/80 World Champion team on ECC VIVIENDAS followed by Paco Cospedal skippering WIND and OPTICA CENTRALE sailed by Julia Casanueva. On the first downwind leg, ECC VIVIENDAS managed to escape clear and held first place throughout the race. It was a very tough fight behind them for the next few positions. In the end, GO FIT sailed by David Madrazo finished 2nd, followed by Toño Piris' YATES Y COSAS in 3rd, FONESTAR (Jaime Piris) in 4th and OPTICA CENTRALE with Fernando Pereda at the helm in 5th. J/80 World Champion Ignacio Camino on NEXTEL ENGINEERING was 6th.
The second race was much more complicated. It was a "black flag" start with three boats sent home! The wind kept shifting and was full of holes, making for complex decisions related to current as well. In the end, A&G PRIVATE BANKING sailed by Tono Ribalaygua won their first race of the season. FONESTAR was second, followed by GO FIT, ECC VIVIENDAS and MATRAKO to round out the top five.
The leading trio is very tight with ECC VIVIENDAS and GO FIT at the top of the standings with 5 points each and FONESTAR is third with one more. Then, in a tie for fourth is YATES Y COSAS and Paco Cospedal's WIND with 13 points each. For more Trofeo Bodegas Máximo Bolado sailing information
