Corfu' Challenge, Day 4: Proteus in the lead

Proteus remains in the lead after another spectacular day in Corfu. Friday’s racing had two winners in two races; Dario Ferrari and team Cannonball took the first and Bella Mente, skippered by Hap Fauth won the second. Both two lap races showcased just how close the Maxi 72 fleet racing is, with all boats meeting at the windward mark together. Conditions were similar to Thursday, with wind coming from a bearing of 280-290 and remaining in the teens. All boats started clear off the line in race one and due to geography, teams looked to benefit from the winding pressure on the course left. It was Cannonball that made it around first and kept the lead until the end. Wind increased slightly for the second race and shifted left, Bella Mente mastered the course and earned the bullet.

The boat catching everyone’s attention, and sailing superbly is Evniki, composed half and half of youth sailors and mentors. The first time the group sailed as a team was just days before the Corfu Challenge began. Team leader Leandro Spina was thrilled after racing, “The boat was quiet today, that’s how much we’re improving. Internally, every individual onboard has their own goals so each day specific jobs are performed better and better.” He added, “The other great part about this team is that even the pros have been put into new roles and this means everyone is learning together.”

Another fabulous afternoon of Taste of Corfu greeted racers at the Marina Gouvia with traditional local delicacies. Rolex, the Official Timepiece, rounded out the evening with a moonlight dinner in town to music and videos from the day. Guests were then surprised with an extraordinary firework display over the water. Saturday is the final day of racing and the first ever Corfu Challenge title will be crowned.


For photos, results and more visit www.corfuchallenge.com