Race 3 – Azzurra Goes Wire to Wire for First Win of 2017

The Italian/Argentine combination of owner Alberto Roemmers Jr., helmsman Guillermo Parada and tactician Vasco Vascotto on Azzurra came out blazing in Race 3 of the 2017 52 SUPER SERIES Miami Royal Cup, winning the pin end and earning the early advantage on the left side of the first upwind leg. Following closely on their heels was Provezza, who rounded second. Bronenosec, who started closer to the committee boat, was able to work the top left of the first beat and gain a slight edge over a pack of boats in contention for third place. Day 1 leaders Platoon, and series leaders Quantum Racing both struggled off the starting line and rounded in the bottom half of the fleet.

Azzurra tried in vain to break away from the group, building its lead to as much as 150 meters at times. But in the shifty, puffy conditions — the breeze and sea state both noticeably reduced from yesterday — there was always someone surging forward and threatening the overall lead. Around the final windward mark Azzurra had a 100-meter lead on Bronenosec, with Sled, Rán Racing and Provezza rounding out the top five. But Bronenosec, helmed by Vladimir Liubomirov, fought all the way down the run, closing the gap and at times appearing to take the lead.

Azzurra kept their composure and won the race by a scant 4 seconds over Bronenosec. Provezza moved up to third at the finish with Rán Racing in fourth and Sled taking fifth. A sixth for Quantum Racing and an eighth for Platoon leaves Azzurra all alone in first, for the moment.

For full results, visit: http://bit.ly/2miZdMV
To watch the race again, visit http://bit.ly/2e6o3tR.

The 52 SUPER SERIES Miami Royal Cup will take place from 7-11 March. Live commentary and boat tracking via the Virtual Eye is available Tuesday and Wednesday. 52 SUPER SERIES TV powered by Quantum Sails goes live THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY with live action streamed from the race course supported by tracking, commentary and comment from 15-minutes before racing starts each day. All available at www.52SUPERSERIES.com/LIVE and the the app.