Following the opening day’s close racing, as Afloat reported, Aleph Racing has extended its advantage at the 44Cup World Championship Cowes after a challenging second day produced just one race on the Solent.
Patience Pays Off After Long Wait for Wind
With a front approaching and conditions expected to be difficult, the Royal Yacht Squadron race team, led by PRO Maria Torrijo, faced a long wait before the nine-boat RC44 fleet could complete racing.
The fleet initially headed out towards Hillhead, where a northerly breeze built above 10 knots before disappearing as the wind shifted dramatically.
With conditions failing to stabilise, the race committee brought the boats ashore before later moving the course towards the Western Solent in search of a reliable sea breeze.
The decision paid off when a southwesterly breeze filled in late in the afternoon, allowing racing to begin near Lepe Middle at 16:40.
Aleph Racing Makes Winning Move in Changing Tide
Aleph Racing, skippered by Pietro Loro Piana, started the day as championship leader after the opening races and strengthened its position with victory in the only race completed.
Black Star Sailing Team, led by Christian Zuerrer, made the strongest early move by heading towards the left side of the course, using the deeper water and favourable current to lead at the first windward mark.
Aleph Racing Charge — Aleph Racing extended its championship advantage in Cowes after turning a challenging one-race day into a second victory, with tacticians finding gains in shifting breeze and currents. Photo: Nico Martinez
However, Aleph Racing chose a different approach on the second upwind leg, moving towards the right side of the course as the tide changed and gaining enough ground to take control.
The French-flagged team went on to claim its second race win of the championship, with Black Star Sailing Team finishing second.
Black Star Challenge — Black Star Sailing Team pushed into the leading group at the 44Cup World Championship Cowes, using changing tides and tactical decisions to stay in contention during a difficult Solent race day. Photo: Nico Martinez
Aleph Racing tactician Michele Ivaldi highlighted the importance of reading the changing Solent conditions.
“Maria [Torrijo] did a good job waiting for the westerly, and when we went out it was very tricky because it was at the change of the tide,” he said. “We had a solid strategy and decided to go straight on the first beat and then early gybe to see the change of current.”
Tight Battle Continues Behind Championship Leaders
The result leaves Aleph Racing four points clear at the top of the 44Cup World Championship Cowes standings.
Chris Bake’s Team Aqua remains second, while Markus Tornqvist’s GeMera Racing is third, three points further back. The battle remains close, with boats placed third to sixth separated by just two points.
GeMera Racing Fight — GeMera Racing remained among the leading contenders in the tightly packed 44Cup World Championship standings after another competitive day of RC44 racing on the Solent. Photo: Nico Martinez
Black Star Sailing Team tactician Cameron Dunn said the team had correctly identified the advantage of heading left early in the race but admitted Aleph Racing gained the upper hand later.
“We got what we wanted on the first beat. It was not an easy place to sail, but we were pretty convinced that the current was going to be better out on the left,” Dunn said. “On the second beat, I wanted to go right, but everyone was going left, except for Aleph, and so we decided to stick with the numbers. Credit to them — they made a big gain.”
Light Winds Expected for Final Championship Stages
With another light and unpredictable forecast expected, racing on the following day has been delayed by one hour, with the first warning signal scheduled for 13:00.
Aleph Racing will now look to protect its narrow advantage as the 44Cup World Championship Cowes moves into its final stages.
