(Palma Mallorca, Spain)- As predicted, the Copa de Espana for the J/80 class in Spain was every bit as competitive as a J/80 World championship, but there was a surprise victor! Cesar Espinosa sailing IURISNAUTIC ended the first day of racing in first and managed to hold off all contenders to become the Copa de Espana Champion 2011.
On Saturday, the fleet racing began in the waters off Palma with 2 World Champions, 2 class Olympic Medallists and 14 Palmistas from the local fleet, all strong teams. And, it was a "local Palmista" that sailed a very strong series to win the day. IURISNAUTIC sailed by Carlos Espinosa of the Club de Mar in Palma was ranked first with Jose Luis Serra at the helm and tactician was none other than Tono Piris-- now that's called "stacking the deck" in your favor-- all smart sailors. In second for the day was the PalmaVela winner MAPFRE sailed by Carlos Martinez from the RCR Santiago de la Ribera club. And, third for the day was J/80 World Champion Rayco Tabares sailing his well-known, and famous, HOTEL PRINCESA YAIZA from the Canary Islands.
For
the second day of the Cup of Spain there were less stable conditions
for the participants. Saturday's test was marked by the struggle between
the top three overall. The second set of races on Sunday for Carlos
Espinosa's IURISNAUTIC showed that the lead in the opening day was not a
gift! Ultimately, they were proclaimed Champion. Sailing strongly on
Sunday to jump onto the podium was TURISMO DO ALGARVE sailed by Olympic
medallist Hugo Rocha and Gonzalo Araujo just three points behind. Third
place was Carlos Martinez's MAPFRE. Fourth place went to another J/80
World Champion, Ignacio Camino sailing his famous NEXTEL ENGINEERING and
in fifth place was HM HOTELS sailed by Javier Chacartegui. It was a
great day of racing in the Bay of Palma, plus the local Palma J/80 fleet
paid a tribute to the late Severiano Ballesteros-- a famous Spanish
athlete/ golfer. For more Copa de Espana J/80 sailing information. Sailing photo credits- Jesus Renedo- SailingStock.com
