Team Nika leads the 44Cup Puntaldia heading into the final day after a shifting leaderboard in Sardinia. After nine races, seven of the nine RC44 teams have claimed wins, underlining the tight competition. Friday’s racing brought a change in conditions, with a southeasterly breeze building to 12 knots after a delayed start. The shift removed the influence of nearby Tavolara island, though the wind remained unstable.
In race one, Team Nika timed their move to port well and secured a narrow lead at the top mark. They went on to win ahead of Artemis Racing and Black Star Sailing Team. Aleph Racing, the overnight leader, suffered penalties following contact at the gate mark and dropped down the standings.
In race two, Peninsula Racing took advantage of a lifted port tack to cross the fleet and claim victory. Aleph Racing finished second with Black Star in third. Team Nika recovered from an OCS start to limit losses.
In the final race, Team Aqua led from the start and secured their first win of the regatta. Charisma finished second, with Peninsula Racing moving into third on the final run. Aleph Racing again incurred penalties after multiple incidents at the top mark.
Team Nika now leads by six points heading into the final day.
Speaking after racing, skipper Vladimir Prosikhin said, “Nice races, very good day, different wind direction. It was flat water, it was light – but it's variety, so very enjoyable.” Chris Bake of Team Aqua said, “It was nice to show that we can still do it every so often… there were definitely a lot of shifts.” Peninsula Racing skipper John Bassadone added, “It was a good, clean race… good to get the first win of the new boat.”
Three final races are scheduled, with light southeasterly winds forecast. Only consistent results will decide the outcome in a closely contested fleet.
