The first Cape 31 Gold Cup got under way in Saint-Tropez today, with Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari taking Race 1 in a light and shifty breeze.

Despite the light conditions, the race committee, led by Clément Carnevali, did a great job to get a race in for the record 28-boat fleet.

Many boats were over the start line, but Hatari got away cleanly, along with Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig, Guy Gillon’s Khumbu and Christian Zuerrer’s Black Star. Hatari held the lead all the way round, with Turkey’s Eker Süzme, Black Star and Stig battling for the remaining podium places.

Cape 31 Gold Cup in Saint-Tropez Day 1 © Sailing Energy

Marcus Brennecke, owner of Hatari, said:

“It’s always good to start well on the first day, but we have 12 races planned, so a lot is going to happen. We had a good start, and then Nic did some magic so that we were first at the top mark and stayed there. It’s always nice to sail in a big fleet with great competitors, but that makes the start so tough, especially in this light wind.

Cape 31 ‘La Pericolosa’ in Hyeres © Sailing Energy

You have to get off the line well and control your own destiny. We picked exactly the right shifts and sailed well downwind too. Great crew work, and I have to thank my team, who carried me round the course.”

Eker Süzme finished second, Black Star third and Stig fifth, with Khumbu sixth. Corinthian team Chisum had a strong finish in fourth, taking an early lead in the Corinthian (1 Pro) fleet.

Inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup Practice Race – photo © Sailing Energy

Racing continues tomorrow, Thursday 15 October, with the first warning signal at 10:30.

Photography: Sailing Energy

Thank you to Quantum Sails, Sertinox and Exhibit Group, partners of the Cape 31 Gold Cup, and to Henri-Lloyd and North Sails for their continued support of the class.

by Tor Tomlinson Cheney