SSL Gold Cup day 3: group 4, Portugal and Bulgaria fight back

 SSL Team Czech Republic threw down the gauntlet to their European rivals yesterday, and today that challenge was firmly met.  SSL Team Portugal and SSL Team Bulgaria both posted victories to smash Group 4 wide open.  

Race 4: The Navigators turn tables

SSL Team Portugal clinched a crucial victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, but it was not all plain sailing. 

For the 'Navigators', disaster almost struck at the halfway point when they dropped their spinnaker in the water.  But with the wind pressure favouring their side of the course in Leg 3, they overtook the fleet to take their first win.

Alican Kaynar's Young Turks were the other major beneficiaries of the split conditions, following SSL Team Portugal over to the right side and securing a vital 3 points in 2nd place.

Leading after an impressive first half to the race, SSL Team Bulgaria lost a lot of ground in the decisive second upwind leg.  

Dominant yesterday, for SSL Team Czech Republic there was only disappointment.  Lucky to escape a penalty when they narrowly avoided jumping the start, they trailed the fleet for the whole of the race.  

Race 5: Lions take the throne

The Lions of SSL Team Bulgaria dominated Race 5, taking victory well clear of SSL Team Portugal in second.  

For the second race in a row, SSL Team Bulgaria led from the off, taking a commanding lead by the halfway mark.  Unlike the previous race, this time they kept their composure to close out the victory.   

Having started the day bottom of the table, SSL Team Portugal were clearly enjoying the lighter winds on Day 3.  While they could not match the impressive Bulgarians, Joao Rodrigues's team looked comfortable throughout, capping a fine comeback day with 2nd place.

Golden Day denouement

One day, one last race remains.  Four teams separated by just two points.  Who will make the most of tomorrow's Golden Day double points to book their place in Bahrain later this year?  Don't miss the final denouement unfolding live on YouTube tomorrow.

Group 5 : Peru in Warriors' mode
Having lagged behind a number of times yesterday, SSL Team Peru finally delivered, seizing maximum points on a dramatic third day on Lake Neuchatel.

Race 4: Ultimate Warriors

In the first race of the day, SSL Team Peru storms back into contention with an impressive first win of the series. The Paracas Warriors' aggression at the start was rewarded with the lead, a position Stefano Peschiera's team never relinquished.  A problem dropping the spinnaker at Gate 2 caused a brief moment of panic, but was not capitalized upon by the chasing fleet.

SSL Team Chile held second place throughout but were harried all the way by Ricardo Fabini's La Celeste.  Their tense rivalry from yesterday continued, with several close encounters as each tried to take advantage of the other.  SSL Team Uruguay ultimately had to settle for 3rd, just 15" seconds behind.

SSL Team Venezuela took the turn at Mark 3 well in touch but a submerged spinnaker cost them too much time and ended their hopes of a higher placing.

Race 5: Finis Terrae Sailors lose it on the line

SSL Team Peru once again took early control, leading all the way until a dramatic final leg.  Always tracking just behind Peru, the Finis Terrae Sailors of Chile made their move after the turn on Mark 3.  Timing their gybe to perfection, they nudged just in front of the Paracas Warriors.  

Approaching the line, victory seemed likely for SSL Team Chile until a mistake with their spinnaker opened the door for Stefano Peschiera's team to sail through and take maximum points.

After the highs of yesterday (2 victories), it was another disappointing race for SSL Team Uruguay, who never looked likely to challenge the lead and finished in 3rd.

SSL Venezuela knew they needed a win to stand any chance of remaining in contention for the SSL Gold Cup Final Series in Bahrain.  The die was cast early on when, caught in the crossfire of SSL Team Peru and SSL Team Chile at the start, Los Caciques made contact with the Chilean boat.  Forced to restart after an individual recall penalty, the Venezuelans fate was sealed.

3 into 2 won't go

With only two places available for Bahrain, Group 5 is finely poised with only two points separating the top three.  With double points available on the final 'Golden Day' tomorrow, we're set for a thrilling South American showdown.