Swedish Teams Share 44Cup Marstrand Lead Before Final Day

28th June 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Start Line Squeeze — The RC44 fleet bunches at the 44Cup Marstrand start, where Team Charisma and GeMera Racing moved clear at the top before Sunday's final showdown Credit: Nico Martinez

Swedish teams GeMera Racing and Team Charisma head into the final day of the 44Cup Marstrand tied at the top after another closely fought day's racing on Sweden's west coast. Three races were completed on Saturday in sunshine, flat water and an 8-13 knot southerly, but consistency again proved elusive across the nine owner-driver RC44 teams.

Peninsula Racing enjoyed the strongest day on the water, posting a 1-4-2 scoreline after recovering from a difficult start to the regatta. "The first two days were a nightmare," owner John Bassadone admitted. "Last night we did a lot of talking and analysing, and I think generally today we sailed better."

Peninsula Push — John Bassadone's Peninsula Racing produced the best score of day three at 44Cup Marstrand, posting 1-4-2 to climb back into contention. Photo: Nico Martinez

Bassadone said only small improvements had made a significant difference in the tightly matched one-design fleet. "Being half a metre ahead in a cross can cause a completely different result," he said.

The opening race featured chaotic mark roundings as strong tidal currents caught out several boats. Team Aqua also incurred a penalty after damaging the masthead wand on Wow! Sailing Team during the incident.

GeMera Racing recovered to win the second race, while Artemis Racing claimed the final "Foxtrot Finish" race into Marstrand Harbour after tactician Phil Robertson opted for a larger headsail. "It was definitely a nice way to end the day, winning the race back to the harbour," Robertson said.

Swedish Duel — Artemis Racing and GeMera Racing line up during the 44Cup Marstrand, where GeMera moved into second overall behind Team Charisma after three races on day three. Photo: Nico Martinez

Going into Sunday's finale, Team Charisma leads on countback from GeMera Racing, with 35 points each. Aleph Racing sits third on 43 points, while Black Star Sailing Team, leader after the opening two days, has slipped to fourth on 44 points alongside Team Nika.

With three races still scheduled and a maximum of 27 points available, eight of the nine teams remain mathematically capable of winning the regatta.

Published in 44Cup

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