The wind played a crucial role in the thrilling day of the Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy

The wind played a crucial role in the thrilling day of the Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy
Trofeo de vela Conde de Godó 2023 - ORC A DOS Double Handed fleet © Oscar Torveo

ORC Double Handed

The weak southerly wind (180º) with an intensity of 6-7 knots initially filled both race courses of the Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy, allowing the punctual start of the ORC A DOS boats towards Blanes, followed by the J 70 fleet in front of the Barceloneta beaches. As the morning progressed, the initial 6 knots gradually improved to 12-13 knots while shifting to a 190º direction.

The boats, crewed by two sailors, set sail on the Barcelona-Blanes-Barcelona route. This race has a scoring coefficient of 1.3, as it covers a distance of 70 miles, while the Barcelona-Palamós-Barcelona race is scored with a coefficient of 1.5.

Before heading towards Blanes, they started by beating upwind on a short starting leg, where some of the top contenders showcased their skills. Once again, Inés Rodríguez's Duende set the pace, with Smerit closely following and quickly narrowing the distance with a swift spinnaker hoist. Not far behind, the pair of Figaro 2 boats rounded the starting mark, sharpening their tactics with an eye on the time compensation established by the rankings. Shaka, skippered by Iván Olivé, and Inteman, helmed by Didac Costa, sailed almost side by side in the final approach to the Blanes mark.

The return leg, especially during the night, may bring about a change of scenario, with potential tactical alternatives and fluctuations in the outcome.

The 50th Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy is part of the Mediterranean Sailing Circuit, along with the PalmaVela Regatta organized by the RCN de Palma and the Trofeo SM La Reina organized by the RCN de Valencia.

The 50th Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy, along with the Interclubs Regatta held on April 20 and 30, serves as a qualifier for the Spanish ORC Cruising Championship, which will take place from October 5 to 8.

The 50th Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, in collaboration with the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation and the Catalan Sailing Federation, and is supported by La Vanguardia, Mapfre, the Ajuntament de Barcelona, and the Generalitat de Catalunya, as well as the collaboration of Gramona, Estrella Damm, Royal Bliss, Dos Déus, Veri, Isdin, and De Antonio Yachts, Musto.