Strong line-up for Punta Ala

TP52s to have their first Mediterranean encounter this coming weekend

The best sailors on the international scene, including Russell Coutts, Paul Cayard, Mark Reynolds, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, to HM The King of Spain, are due to take part in the first event of the new Breitling MedCup this coming weekend in Punta Ala, Italy.

The Transpac 52’s Breitling MedCup Circuit kicks off this weekend as part of the Audi Mediterranean IMS and TP52 Championship. This is the first of five events that form the Breitling MedCup, all of which are to be held in locations in Italy and Spain. The winner of the 2005 racing season will be presented with the Breitling Trophy to mark their success.

From 28 May to 4 June, the Audi Meditteranean IMS and TP52 Championship 2005, hosted by the Punta Ala Yacht Club will welcome a total of seven Transpac 52s from five different countries - Spain, Italy, Chile, Greece and the United States. This first event of the Circuit marks a shift in direction for Mediterranean sailing and will signal the launch of a truly spectacular class, and the start of a new era for the sport. The event will be made up of windward-leeward races, coastal races and one long distance leg.

11 Transpac 52s have already signed up for the Breitling MedCup, most of new constructions. In this first event seven of these will be present and are sure to offer a spectacular show, racing in real time without handicap, battling right from the start in a first class thrilling race.

The fact that the boats are racing against each other on elapsed time has been a big attraction for top owners and skippers, who see the Breitling Circuit and the Transpac 52 as the key to the birth of a new Formula 1 for sailing.

The line-up:

Atalanti XV, owned by George Andreadis from Greece, who has America's Cup skipper and Whitbread Round the World Race winner Paul Cayard on board as skipper.

Bambakou, from the United States, will sail under the flage of the New York Yacht Club. This boat recently won Miami Race Week in the Transpac 52 Class and is owned and skippered by John Coumantaros.

Bribon: Owned by Jose Cusi and with HM Juan Carlos, King of Spain at the helm, this boat also boasts experienced navigator Marcel Van Trieste, who has four round-the-world races and one America’s Cup under his belt.

Caixa Galicia, owned by Vicente Tirado from the Castellon area of Spain, will have Roberto Bermudez de Castro (RTW) and Volvo Ocean race sailor, Dee Smith on board.

Lexus, is a project which has been brought to life by Jaime Yllera from the north of Spain. This is an American vessel which is sailing under the Real Club Maritimo de Santander flag. The boat, owned by Doug Voss, is to be skippered by three time America’s Cup winner and Olympic Gold medallist, Russell Coutts.

Orlanda Olympus, the Yacht Club Italiano entry, is owned by Alessandro Pirera and is skippered by Tommaso Chieffi, a veteran America’s Cup yachtsman.

Pisco Sour, owned by Emilio Cousino, Bernardo Matte and Antonio Orlando, boasts Italian yachtsman Vasco Vascotto who will be accompanied by Spanish Tactician, Ignacio Postigo.