Star Sailors League: Mexico and Cuba on the attack on Day 2

Race 3: Las Catrinas rule the waves

SSL Team Mexico stormed back into contention with victory in Race 3, fighting off a sustained challenge from SSL Team Cuba. Group leaders SSL Team Guatemala overtook SSL Team Oman with seconds to spare to secure the extra points in third.

As the fickle wind flipped from one side to another, Las Catrinas of Mexico spent most of the race locked in battle with the again impressive group underdogs, SSL Team Cuba.

A reshuffle that paid off for Mexico

After a prolonged tacking battle that saw a protest from the Cubans dismissed, Nelido Manso Lopez’s Pirates of the Carribean appeared to have the advantage approaching Mark 3. But, despite being pressured off the layline at the turn, the Mexican crew survived and held their lead to the finish.

For Las Catrinas, the win was vindication for a brave decision to shuffle their squad overnight, drafting in captain Yanic Gentry at helm and his brother Ander as floater.

Race 4: The Cuban ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ on the attack

In a dramatic finish, SSL Team Cuba pipped SSL Team Mexico on the line to take their maiden win of the series. SSL Team Guatemala, just 5” further back, had to settle for 3rd place, with SSL Team Oman trailing some distance behind.

The Cuban ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ dominated the opening half of the race but a poor third leg allowed both SSL Team Mexico and SSL Team Guatemala to close in.

No cigar for Mexico nor Guatemala

In a gripping three-way finale, Nelido Manso Lopez’s team found a crucial advantage sailing past the layline to set up a direct route to the finish. Forced to gybe an additional time, for SSL Team Mexico and the Guatemalan Jaguars, it was close but no cigar.

The win represented a real statement for the Cubans, who came to Grandson as the lowest ranked team in the group (SSL World n°70).

Golden day fight looms on the horizon

As ever, the final day of racing in the SSL Gold Cup comes with a golden opportunity. With double points available on Saturday, all four teams will still fancy their chances of a ticket to the finals in Bahrain. For SSL Team Guatemala, looking so comfortable last night, know they have a fight on their hands.

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Text and images courtesy of Star Sailors League.