(Puerto Sherry, Spain)- The Spanish J/80 fleet are currently holding
their Puerto Sherry Spanish Championship and many of the top Spanish
J/80 teams are participating from the provinces of Andalusia, Murcia,
Cantabria, Catalonia, Canary Islands, Galicia and the Basque Country.
Many of the teams had spend several days prior to the regatta in Puerto
de Santa María training for several days.
The
competitive level of the fleet is undoubtedly one of the highest that
can be found in the Iberian peninsula. There are two World Champions
participating, including Hugo Rocha on NEW TERRITORIES (the 2013 winner
in Marseilles) and Jose Maria "Pichu" Torcida sailing AILA (the 2010
winner in Newport). Also participating will be the 2010 European
Champion, Carlos Martinez on-board ZHIK/ NOVASAIL and the 2012 Spanish
Champion, Alex Diaz sailing OXITAL.In addition, several top teams continue to develop in Spain that are challenging "the old guard". Amongst them are Juan Luis Paex on HERBALIFE, Martinez Dioni on DIAUTO and a few other local that know the race course well, one marked by strong currents, complex tides and very shifty winds.
Alejandro
Diaz, sailing OXITAL, commented that: "We have been looking forward to
this event, but we know that this is going to be more difficult than
ever. The level of the Spanish fleet continues to grow, just look at the
results that have been made in the past World Championships where three
Spanish have had a chance of winning! After race training today, it's
clear that all of Spain's sailing regions have several teams that can
win this regatta! The knowledge of local waters and its race course
will be a factor to take into account for anyone who wins this event!"In addition to the competition for the overall Spanish J/80 Champion, there will also be a title for crowning the top women crew participating in the event. More news soon! Sailing photo credits- Luis Fernández For more Spanish J/80 Championship sailing information
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