Paprec Extends Lead in Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES
Paprec solidified its lead in the Marina Rubicón Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week on Wednesday, overcoming strong winds and equipment breakages during another competitive day.
Racing took place off Marina Rubicón in winds nearing 20 knots, allowing the TP52 boats to showcase their capabilities in the south of Lanzarote. Following two races, the French team amassed eight points, increasing their advantage over second-placed Sled, which has ten points. Alpha+ moved into third place with 15 points after an impressive performance.
Second Consecutive Win for Paprec
The first race featured 12 boats, with Gladiator unable to compete due to a broken forestay. Provezza and Platoon Aviation started strong but were soon challenged by a current that pushed Platoon Aviation to the back. Provezza initially led, but a spinnaker issue left them stranded, allowing Paprec to seize the lead. Paprec maintained this position to claim its second consecutive victory, followed by Alpha+ and Alkedo Vitamina.
Sled Claims Second Race
The second race was held in winds exceeding 20 knots. Platoon Aviation and Paprec had a closely fought start on the left side, while Alkedo Vitamina and Alegre had to return after misalignment. Platoon Aviation managed to lead but suffered another spinnaker failure, allowing Sled to take charge and secure their second win in Lanzarote. Alpha+ once again finished second, with Alkedo Vitamina climbing from last to complete the podium.
Alpha+ Shines on the Day
With two second-place finishes, Alpha+ achieved the best overall score of the day, placing third in the standings and five points behind Sled. Paprec wrapped up the day with a win and a fourth place.
Stephane Neve, project director for Paprec, praised his team’s speed and effort. “It was a fantastic first race for us, and we managed to recover in the second thanks to our downwind speed,” he said.
Francesco Bruni from Sled acknowledged missed opportunities in the first race but remained optimistic after their later success. “We’re happy with the day. The second race was much better with a good start and strategy,” he noted.
Spanish sailor Pedro Mas of Alpha+ highlighted the importance of a conservative approach in tough conditions. “If you take risks and it goes wrong, you’ll end up last. The team is doing a great job and avoiding material issues,” he said.
Carlos Hernández Joins Vayu
Canarian sailor Carlos Hernández joined Team Vayu on Wednesday, replacing Mika Eid, who is absent due to health reasons. Hernández’s addition brings the total number of Spanish sailors in the competition to 12. Vayu finished the day with an 11th and a 5th place, currently sitting in eighth overall. He remarked on the heightened competition, stating, “There are many teams, the standard is higher, and even the smallest detail can put you behind.”
Competition Continues on Thursday
The Marina Rubicón Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week will resume with two more races on Thursday, starting at 11:30 AM. Fans can follow the action live on the official 52 SUPER SERIES platforms, with broadcasts available in both Spanish and English.
Provisional Standings
- Paprec, 8 points
- Sled, 10 points
- Alpha+, 15 points
- Alkedo Vitamina, 16 points
- No Way Back, 26 points
- Platoon Aviation, 26 points
- Alegre, 31 points
- Vayu, 31 points
- Provezza, 34 points
- Trinity Racing, 34 points
- Crioula, 43 points
- Teasing Machine, 46 points
- Gladiator, 49 points
