Five different teams have claimed race wins after six races at the halfway stage of the 44Cup Puntaldia in Sardinia. Lighter winds replaced the previous day’s heavy conditions, with 8–12 knots and flatter seas testing crews’ tactical decisions.
Christian Zuerrer’s Black Star Sailing Team returned strongly after early setbacks to win the opening race of the day. The team executed a clean start and controlled the left side of the course. Tactician Cameron Dunn said, “We got a really nice start... once we could tack, we were pretty much at layline and could cross everybody.” Zuerrer added, “We are happy to have this first bullet as a new team. We’re looking forward to the following days.”
In race two, Nico Poons’ Team Charisma secured victory after a closely fought battle up the left side. The result marked a fifth different winner in as many races. Charisma tactician Andy Horton said, “We got spat out after the start... just kind of zigged when they zagged.” He added that their earlier second place was “probably the best race we've sailed in about a year.”
The final race saw GeMera Sailing Team take the win after capitalising on a late shift and maintaining control despite a sail handling issue. Tactician Francesco Bruni said, “The wind was a lot more stable today... we did well, keeping focused and pushing the boat.” At the end of day two, Charisma led the daily standings, but Aleph Racing held the overall lead at the halfway point.
Team Nika and Charisma remain close behind, underlining the tight competition across the fleet. Aleph Racing tactician Michele Ivaldi said, “It was another great day,” despite a difficult start in the final race.
Wow! The Sailing Team also showed improvement, scoring a third and fourth place finish in later races. Driver Mehmet Taki said, “Little mistakes cost a lot in this class. So you have to try to do everything perfectly.”
Racing is set to continue with moderate southerly winds forecast for the next day.
