America’s Cup winner and many times 52 SUPER SERIES champion Ed Baird rejoiced during the practice race as Phoenix was fast in the water. They are podium contenders at the Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week.
Baird is aware the challenge will be complicated and the team will have to replicate their win at the practice race a few more times during the week. The skipper missed the first event of the season in the Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week. Tom Slingsby called tactics in Mallorca, and the Phoenix finished third.
"It is fantastic to be back here. The fleet is terrific and there are so many friends on all these boats and it is great to be here. This team has a terrific positive attitude. They are always excited to do the next thing and everybody is always itching to help out and move on." -Ed Baird
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New to the 52 SUPER SERIES TP52 fleet, but with extreme success in many different classes, in particular on home waters on the Bay of Palma is Spain’s Manuel Weiller. He will be sailing on the Whitcraft family’s Thai flagged Vayu. The athlete admitted he always wanted to race on this circuit.
This series is the world’s leading grand prix monohull circuit, and it is visiting Mahon and Menorca for its fourth time. The local authorities recognise its positive impact in the sport, tourism and sustainability of the island.
"It is such a pleasure to come here and help spread the word about this beautiful island. We have an active sustainability programme here with different initiatives and actions such as collecting unused food and beach and harbour clean ups among others. We continue to tell the whole world that we must respect and care for the environment. Menorca and the 52 SUPER SERIES have the same shared commitment to caring for our environment and that is why we are proud to be able to come to race here." -Sustainability Director, Lars Böcking
11 crews from eight different nations will be competing in the TP52s from today until the 2nd of October.
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