Multihull Cup 2024 off to a memorable start in great breeze
by Phil Riley 27 Sep 10:10 PDT
27-29 September 2024
Multihull Cup 2024 Day 1 © Sailing Energy
Superb sailing conditions greeted the Multihull Cup 2024 fleet as racing got under way today off Mallorca's eye-catching southwest coast.
Bright sunshine and a steady 18-20 knots of westerly breeze helped to create a marvellous arena for the performance catamarans to strut their stuff and show what they are capable of at the sixth edition of the multihull festival.
Leading the way on the water was Lord Irvine Laidlaw's 80-ft VPLP-custom Highland Fling 18, which covered the 22.6 Nm coastal course in a scorching 1:42:29 to take line honours.
Adrian Keller's Irens 78 Allegra had kept in close touch with the leader throughout the race — which took the fleet east past the Far de Cala Figuera lighthouse into the Bay of Palma, and back — and crossed the finish line near Illa del Toro less than five minutes behind.
And when the ORCmh handicap rating correction was applied it was Allegra that ended the first day on top of the table.
Her delighted owner Adrian Keller said: "It was an absolutely super day, not just because we won but the great conditions and the great racing. We were lucky we came out on top, it was challenging conditions but a lot of fun and everybody got wet."
The experienced Paul Larsen, racing aboard Allegra, added: "The day was fantastic, it was our weather. It was very lumpy and we got some fantastic surfing, and the course was the perfect length.
"Of course we're happy with the result, and I am happy it was close. All the boats were sailed well and it was a big boat day, so I'm sure the others will get their day."
Though taking the runner-up spot it was also a good day for Highland Fling. Tactician Ned Collier Wakefield commented: "It was windy, and rough, but we enjoyed the course and the boat was going well with some tight racing with the other guys — we're super happy."
Meanwhile the 60-ft Bañuls Design McConaghy-built Mc2 60 Dragon fully demonstrated her potential under the handicap system, finishing just 27 seconds adrift of Highland Fling 18 on corrected time and setting the scene for two further days of competitive and friendly racing.
Her owner Valentin Piech said: "It was awesome today, a wonderful breeze and a great swell to surf down on. We enjoyed it very, very much."
Tactician Ben Kelly agreed, adding: "An awesome day, though really rough for the little boat in the fleet. We handled it well, we're good as a team, but first day out we broke a few things so we've got a bit of repair work to do. But she's going quick — 27 knots downwind is pretty good on any day... we're stoked."
Other than a few breakages, the only casualty of the breeze was the post-race dock party, with the celebratory get-together relocated to the Coast by East restaurant in the welcoming and exclusive Port Adriano marina, again host to the Multihull Cup.
Racing will continue tomorrow with two scheduled windward-leeward courses, before the finale on Sunday 29 September, which will also see the celebratory prize-giving ceremony being held at Port Adriano.
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