This Saturday, May 11 at 2:05 pm, the kickoff of the 3rd Atlantic Cup was given by race committee on Charleston Harbor.
A fleet of seven Class40 crossed the start line towards New York and then Newport (RI) pushed by southwest winds of 10 to 15 knots.
The race will take the 7 crews, sailing under the United States and England flag, to the Manhattan marina with an ETA due on Wednesday, May 15 in the morning. After a short 3-day stopover, the fleet will wave goodbye to the Statue of Liberty at 14:00 Saturday, May 18. They will sail along the U.S East coast to Newport, for leg 2. Last but not least for this 2013 edition, the skippers will have to stay focused until the very last day to ensure a good result during the two days of Inshore Races scheduled on May 25 and 26 in Newport Bay.
Seven teams are participating in this year’s unique 100% Class40 race in the US, among which 5 boats from the last edition. Without the presence of European teams, Dave Rearick on board Nb 118, Kiwi FC40 Bodacious Dream, has the favorite place after its second position in 2012 behind the German Jörg Riechers (Mare 115). Of course he should be wary of Gryphon Solo II (106), Icarus (116) and Dragon (54) crews who now know the race area. Peter Harding on board Nb90, 40 Degrees, comes back with a revenge after having dismasted in Charleston Bay in 2012. Eric Lecoq, accompanied by experienced Conrad Colman, and on board the brand new 121 Lecoq Cuisine (40 Tyker latest generation) may be a formidable candidate with such boat. Finally, Pleiad Racing Akilaria number 39 will try to compete with their younger generation boats.
All information’s on the official website. To follow the race visit the Facebook page, Twitter account and tracking map.
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