Harm Müller-Spreer’s Platoon extended their record in Menorca to three victories when the German flagged team today lifted the Royal Cup as winners of the third regatta of the season, the Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup. Platoon also won her in 2019 and 2021.
They were pushed to the final gun of the last race by Ergin Imré’s Provezza. The Turkish flagged team, winners in both Saint Tropez and Scarlino lost their 2023 unbeaten record by only one single point after a nail biting finale when Platoon, led by Italian tactician Vasco Vascotto, deciphered the best route up what proved to be the last leg, sailing round the outside of Provezza in a fast fading breeze to steal the top prize.
But while Platoon finished strongest in the nine boat fleet, to record Vascotto’s first regatta title since joining the crew last September in Scarlino, Provezza head to next month’s Rolex TP52 World Championship in Barcelona carrying a circuit lead of 19 points ahead of Platoon. Defending champions Quantum Racing powered by American Magic finished seventh and drop to third on the general classification for the season so far, but the US flagged team won the last race of the regatta.
Vascotto dedicated the regatta win to his late father who passed away two months ago and who was his biggest fan, “He watched all the 52 SUPER SERIES races all the time and I am sure he had a great internet connection from up there on high and was encouraging us all.”, smiled Vascotto.
“He helped a lot and he pushed the boat. I am happy also for the crew, we have raced well together this week. We sailed with a lot of personality today. We made a few bad decisions this week but we trusted ourselves today and we trusted the wind would come back and it did. It was a good regatta for us all but very emotional for me.”
Menorca 52 Super Series Royal Cup Day 5 – photo © 52 Super Series / Martinez Studio
Final regatta standings Menorca 52 SUPER SERIES Royal Cup:
1- PLATOON (GER), Harm Müller-Spreer, 1+3+2+5+8+5+1+1+4+4 = 34pts
2- PROVEZZA (TUR), Ergin Imre, 2+8+6+2+4+1+2+3+2+5 = 35pts
3- GLADIATOR (GBR), Tony Langley, 8+9+1+1+1+6+4+4+5+2 = 41pts
4- ALEGRE (GBR), Andy Soriano, 4+2+5+3+3+7+7+5+1+9 = 46pts
5- SLED (USA), Takashi Okura, 5+1+4+4,5(RDG)+7+2+8+6+3+6 = 46,5pts
6- QUANTUM RACING POWERED BY AMERICAN MAGIC (USA), Doug DeVos, 6+6+3+6+6+3+6+9+8+1 = 54pts
7- PAPREC (FRA), Jean Luc Petithuguenin, 7+5+7+7+2+4+9+2+7+8 = 58pts
8- VAYU (THA), Familia Whitcraft, 3+7+9+10(DNF)+5+8+3+7+6+3+4(PEN) = 65pts
9- ALPHA+ (HKG), Shawn y Tina Kang, 9+4+8+4+9+9+5+8+9+7 = 72pts
Standings after three regattas 52 SUPER SERIES 2023:
1- PROVEZZA (TUR), Ergin Imre, 34+42+35 = 111pts
2- PLATOON (GER), Harm Müller-Spreer, 45+51+34 = 130pts
3- QUANTUM RACING POWERED BY AMERICAN MAGIC (USA), Doug DeVos, 40+43+54 = 137pts
4- SLED (USA), Takashi Okura, 45+52+46,5 = 143,5pts
5- GLADIATOR (GBR), Tony Langley, 40+66+41 = 147pts
6- ALEGRE (GBR), Andy Soriano, 43+64+46 = 153pts
7- VAYU (THA), Whitcraft Family, 58+48+65 = 171pts
8- PAPREC (FRA), Jean Luc Petithuguenin, 56+81+58 = 195pts
9- INTERLODGE (USA), Austin and Gwen Fragomen, 45+54+100 = 199pts
10- ALPHA+ (HKG), Shawn and Tina Kang, 65+91+72 = 228pts
11- PHOENIX (RSA), Hasso and Tina Plattner, 57+71+100 = 228pts
by 52 Super Series
