Double victory for Alinghi in Mar Menor after GC32 showdown

Ernesto Bertarelli’s Alinghi won both the GC32 Mar Menor Cup in Spain and the 2021 GC32 Racing Tour title. 

After five exciting days of racing, the conditions on Murcia for the final day proved to be challenging as there was less wind than the one forecasted. However, one race was held in 6-7 knot northwest, and the crew on Jason Carroll’s Argo put in their mighty performance. Argo led for the first lap, but Christian Zuerrer’s Black Star pulled ahead, with Red Bull Sailing Team and Alinghi in second and third respectively. 

During the second race, Black Star Sailing Team was about to claim their second consecutive bullet, but the 35 minute maximum time limit for the GC32 race was reached and the race had to be abandoned. After a wait to see whether the wind would return or not, the race committee hoisted the AP over A and announced Alinghi’s victory.

This season has been shortened, but Alinghi has won three of the four events and narrowly missed out on defending their GC32 World Championship title after a technical failure during the last leg of the last race. The team has also won the GC32 Racing Tour in 2019 after coming from their victory in the Extreme Sailing Series the year before. 

Farewell to Olympic Medallists

The end of the GC32 Racing Tour has also been a big moment for Red Bull Sailing Team’s double Olympic gold medallists Roman Hagara and Hans-Peter Steinacher, as this would be their last regatta. 

“I am a little bit sad, but we knew that this would happen. During this season we had really good moments, especially winning the Worlds in Villasimius which was for us a highlight in the GC32” -Roman Hagara after finishing second in the Championship. 

Black Star Sailing Team ended the season third overall and Zoulou was fourth.

“The GC32 is the best boat you can get for your money. The fun is incredible. The boat is both simple and very fast, it is engaging and it is the cheapest by far of the flying boats at the moment to both buy and run. You know there will be competition.” -Maris, Zoulou’s pilot. 

Christian Scherrer, manager of the GC32 Racing Tour ended the season by giving a few words: “Despite the difficult circumstances with the pandemic, we had four successful events this season and a worthy winner in Alinghi. I would like to thank all of the teams, partners and venues for trusting in us. We look forward to seeing you all in 2022.”

The GC32 Mar Menor Cup has been hosted by the Club Náutico Lo Pagán with support of Turismo Región Murcia, Autoridad Portuaria de Cartagena and local communities.