(Buenos Aires, Argentina)- With the imposing backdrop of the coastline
of Mar del Plata and with hundreds of tourists and locals watching from
the various points along the coast, the fourth edition of the Manolo Cup
Championship was a great success. The event was sponsored by Churros
Manolo and was well-managed by the host, Club Nautico Mar del Plata.
It
all started on Saturday under a day completely gray with intermittent
rain, wind NE about 9-10 knots and waves crossing the race course at
about 1m in height-- a severe cross-chop, really! The course area was
laid out close to shore, with the starting line located across from
Playa Chica and a windward leg that took the fleet past Cabo
Corrientes. After the first day of racing, it was clear that MENDIETA
helmed by Juan Diego Figueroa began to emerge as the potential winner
after getting two 1sts in two races. While the schedule called for 3-4
races, the wind died out to zero and the fleet had to head for home for
some mandatory Argentinean salsa and delicious red malbec wine!As the crews woke up on Sunday, the weather appeared nearly unbeatable for sailing; Northerly winds blowing 12-15 kts and increasing with a good chop over the long swells, sunny clear skies and a warm 28 C! The conditions made it challenging for most crews with teams moving up and down the ladder quite dramatically. Nevertheless, the first day leader, MENDIETA, simply sailed away from the pack and collected three more bullets and a second place to win with only five points after six races (due to a throwout). Just behind them in second was truly a family boat, with the trio of Martin, Ronnie and Natalia Jenkins combining with Maru Bozzo, Andrea Basagna and Cristina Cendagorta sailing PANAM to safely take the silver with a 2-3-2-3-3-1 scoreline for 11 pts. Third was PINGUI sailed by Alejandro Capizzano with a 5-2-3-2-6-5 for 17 pts. Sailing photo credits- Marina Devo Fotografias
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