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2024 Scandinavian Gold Cup at Yacht Club de l’Odet in Benodet – Day 2
29 August – 7 September 2024
2024 Scandinavian Gold Cup © Rupert Holmes
In a tense second day of racing in Benodet, teams Ali Baba and Artemis both achieved race wins in the prestigious Scandinavian Gold Cup.
Artemis secured victory in the first race of the day, qualifying for the next round where only the first three boats to win a race can compete. This earn them a spot alongside yesterday’s winners, John B and Ali Baba.
The Scandinavian Gold Cup’s unique format, where the first boat to win three races is crowned the overall champion, encourages different tactics compared to traditional regattas. This format rewards teams willing to take tactical risks early in the competition to avoid elimination.
“We agreed to be very aggressive and be very determined on what we believed in,” said Artemis’ skipper, Kristian Nergaard. “We went to the right-hand side and hit a good shift there. We led on the first upwind leg and maintained that lead all the way to the finish.”
The fourth race highlighted a thrilling tacking duel between John B and Artemis. Initially leading by a couple of lengths around the first windward mark, John B lost ground as the wind eased, while Ali Baba capitalized on the downwind leg.
When Ali Baba and Artemis crossed paths in a port and starboard situation, the on-water International Jury awarded a penalty against Artemis for being too close. Following their penalty turn, Ali Baba surged ahead, claiming victory after falling behind earlier. Julie Marazzi shared, “After a rocky start, we gradually moved up and suddenly found ourselves in the lead – that was amazing.”
“It’s really tricky racing. Only a win counts, so you have to do everything possible to win and look for every opportunity,” Flavio Marazzi, Julie’s father, explained. “You must take more risks in tactics when two boats are competing against each other. It’s a fascinating type of racing.”
Currently, Ali Baba needs just one more race win to secure the trophy, while Artemis and John B both require two victories. The competition is heating up for the next day’s racing, promising close and exciting tactical battles.
Additionally, the older 5.5 Metres in the Evolution and Classic divisions are vying for the Hankø Evolution Cup and the Royal Haag Classic Cup, both utilizing conventional regatta formats.
In the Evolution fleet, another vessel named Ali Baba is dominating with four consecutive race wins. The battle for second place is competitive, with three boats separated by a single point. Among the local competitors, the family vessel Joker is performing well with two second-place finishes today and sits second overall.
Today, Joker led at the first windward mark but lost some ground on the second upwind leg. Adrien Polaillon stated, “We are comparing well with other competitors, including a French and an Italian boat that is very close to us.”
The Italian boat Manuela V is also showcasing a clean score in the Royal Kaag Classic Cup, leading ahead of Korrigan and Twins Xll.
Racing will continue tomorrow for these prestigious tournaments, leading up to next week’s 5.5 Metre World Championship hosted by the Yacht Club de l’Odet in Benodet.
For more information, visit www.yco-voile.fr/5-5-benodet-2024.
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Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.
