Highlights from Day 3 of Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona 2023

Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Day 3

4-7 September 2024

The third day of the prestigious Puig Vela Clàssica regatta did not disappoint, offering a new spectacle worthy of admiration.

The favorable weather conditions, featuring clear skies and steady winds, created the perfect backdrop for the 77 classic sailboats competing this year to showcase their full potential in the Mediterranean. Expectations were high from the early morning, and they were quickly met: the beneficial wind allowed for agile and precise sailing, enhancing the competitiveness among the boats and providing unforgettable images for both participants and spectators.

The Barcelona coastline transformed into a prime viewing point to admire the impressive parade of sails, each emblematic of maritime history and tradition. These classic sailboats, some over a century old, navigated elegantly, evoking the grace of bygone eras while captivating everyone present. The harmony between the sea conditions, the wind, and the sailors’ skills made this day an unforgettable highlight on the international nautical calendar.

Day three of the Puig Vela Clàssica broke the curse of the Southeast wind on the Barcelona racecourse. The Xaloc joined in the festivities during this XVII Edition, dispelling its notorious reputation for weak and inconsistent winds. Eolo was punctual and generous, delivering wind gusts of 10-14 knots and notable waves of nearly two meters as the day progressed.

The classic fleets tackled a 15.5-mile course marked by various segments and headings. Despite being the last segment of the day, the start of the 10 Big Boats was spectacular, as Haloween executed a daring port tack start, narrowly evading the stern of The Lady Anne, yesterday’s winner, which was surpassed today by Keith Mills’ Viveka. The race proved challenging for the 15 Meters, with Tuiga finishing fifth and Mariska sixth. The day’s podium was topped by The Lady Anne, leading with 4 points, followed closely by Viveka with 5 points, and Mariska with 7 points after two races.

In Classics I, Germán Frers’ Recluta solidified its lead with 2 points after a triumphant performance, followed by Andrés de León’s Yanira and Timothy Wilson’s Oro. Yanira (4 points) and Pepe de Miguel’s Kahurangi remained in pursuit in the overall standings.

In Classics II, Javier Mestre’s Kanavel (5 points), Bárbara Trilling’s Argos (7 points), and Ronnie Peters’ Alba (9 points) led the provisional standings in that order, with Andrew Harvey’s Clarionet closely behind in fourth place, tied with Alba on points.

Bart Weduimer’s Encounter claimed the provisional lead in Classics IOR with 5 points, the same as Susan Caroll’s Ojalla II, who finished third today. Vittorio Cavazzana’s Emeraude secured second place in today’s race, allowing him to ascend to third in the provisional standings with 6 points.

Jens Ricke’s Legolas secured the leading position in Modern Classic, breaking a tie with Christian Hentschel’s Anima II, while Jordi Puig’s Phidias took the last podium spot away from Belén García’s Melbac-Etchell.

In Época Clase P, Sylvan Duculty’s Olympian continued to lead the same group with consistent results from both days, followed by Bernaud Liautaud’s Chips, Victor Migraine’s Joyant, and Sebastian Sazin’s Corinthian.

The Época Bermudian Skylark of 1937, owned by Chris Bake, narrowly won today by just 6 seconds over Claudio Melli’s Amorita. Marc Marciano’s Comet finished third, maintaining leadership in the category with 4 points, followed by Jordi Cabau’s Sonata (sixth today) with 6 points, Skylark of 1937 with 7 points, and Amorita with an equal score. Kostoa Bekim’s Viola, placing second today, retains the lead in Época Cangreja with three points, just one behind today’s winner, Juan Carlos Eguiagaray’s Oriole, with Paolo Zanoni’s Chinook also finishing third today.

Grael continues to excel in 12 Meters

The legendary 12 Meters completed three races today, with Torben Grael’s Kookaburra II racking up victories in Division A, now totaling five in this edition of the Puig. Intense competition ensued between Johan Blach’s Kiwi Magic, hindered by a withdrawal in the first race today, and Richard Matthews’ Crusader, who hold a total of 10 and 11 points, respectively. In Division D, Hans Eliasson’s Northern Light also displayed dominance, securing five victories out of five races. James Patrick’s Vim follows closely with 8 points, ahead of Thomas Muller’s Jenetta, who has 11 points.

Two legendary sailors at the Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta

Among the prestigious participants at the Puig Vela Clàssica, two notable names stand out: Frenchman Marc Pajot and Brazilian Torben Grael, both competing in the 12 Meters with French Kiss and Kookaburra II, respectively.

Marc Pajot

Pajot is an Olympic silver medalist (Munich 1972) in Flying Dutchman and a prominent figure in ocean sailing, with wins in the La Baule-Daker (1980) and Route du Rhum (1982), as well as holding the North Atlantic record. As a helmsman in the America’s Cup, he reached the semifinals of the challengers twice in Fremantle 1987 with the 12 Meters French Kiss and in San Diego 1992. He also competed in San Diego 1995 and Auckland 2000.

Is this your first time sailing in Barcelona?
No, this is my third time. Previously, I sailed in an IMS 50 regatta and another time in a Dragon a long time ago. I am delighted to be at the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona due to the excellent attention they give to boats and sailors.

How does it feel to sail a 12 Meter again after so many years?
It’s a beautiful memory for me. I was an Olympic sailor, transitioned to ocean sailing, competed worldwide, and ultimately participated in the America’s Cup with French Kiss in Fremantle in 1987. Five of those crew members are now competing in Barcelona, 37 years later!

What do you think of the Puig Vela Clàssica regatta?
It’s an excellent regatta with a vast fleet, and this year presents a unique opportunity to enjoy the America’s Cup in Barcelona.

What are your expectations in terms of results and your performance in the 12 Meter class?
In the 12 Meter class, we know that Kookaburra, with Torben Grael and his Italian team, is very strong. We love competing with and against them, but our actual battle lies with the Kiwis, South Australia, and Crusader. We can’t take anything for granted; we have to play, fight, and win.

Torben Grael

Grael is a five-time Olympic medalist (two gold, one silver, and two bronze) from 1984 to 2000. He won the Louis Vuitton Cup in Auckland 2000, participated in the 2003 edition also in Auckland, and was a finalist among the challengers in Valencia 2007, all with the Italian team Luna Rossa. He joined two round-the-world races with stops, finishing third in 2005-06 and winning in 2008-09.

What do you think of the 12 Meters?
The 12 Meters are beautiful boats, requiring a well-trained crew for maneuvering. The races are very close and exciting.

How are things going on board the Kookaburra II?
In the recent World Championship (Porquerolles, France), we debuted a reconfiguration of the boat. When it was purchased, it still had the setup from Fremantle 1987. Our program focuses on the Mediterranean and sometimes Newport, where the wind is much lighter. We have changed the keel and made other adjustments, allowing us to better understand the boat.

On the first day, the racecourse was quite challenging due to irregular winds, but in the first race, we found a good shift, achieving a comfortable lead at the finish line. The second race had more stable conditions, and today we expect races with even more wind, which will make the competition closer. With such equality, the starts are key.

Do you like classic boats?
I have a great fondness for them. I began sailing with my grandfather in a 6 Meter from 1912, which won a silver medal at the Stockholm Games. We still own the boat; it’s beautiful, very enjoyable to sail, with low freeboard.

Class Leaders:

• CLASSIC IOR: ENCOUNTER
• CLASSIC I: RECLUTA
• CLASSIC II: KANAVEL
• ÉPOCA CANGREJA: VIOLA
• ÉPOCA BERMUDIAN: COMET
• BIG BOAT: THE LADY ANNE
• MODERN CLASSIC: LEGOLAS
• 12 M JI – DIVISION A – GRAND PRIX: KOOKABURRA
• 12 M JI – DIVISION D – TRADITIONAL: NORTHERN LIGHT
• CLASS P: OLIMPIAN

Full results can be found here.

The XVII PUIG VELA CLÀSSICA BARCELONA REGATTA is an international event that is part of the official RFEV calendar and counts towards the II International CIM Championship (International Mediterranean Committee), as well as the XIII Mare Nostrum Trophy – Spanish Cup of Classic Boats.

www.puigvelaclassica.com