Valencia, Spain (March 19th, 2018) – This winter’s European M32 racing was rounded off in a fashion which the Valencia fleet have become accustomed to as the championship result was clinched on the final beat, of the final race, on the final day, sending the Dutch contingent of Sailing Team NL, skippered by Pieter-Jan Postma, to series victory.
On the water, two new teams joined the M32 Valencia Winter Series with two-time M32 Series Scandinavia champions GAC Pindar as well as newcomers to the class, Spanish Impulse.
“It is great for Team GAC Pindar to start the year with a win,” said Williams. “We were up against it with the damage sustained on day one putting the team under pressure, but the shore crew did a great job getting us back out racing and the great support from GAC's guests spurred us on.”
Ian Williams skippered the British team of GAC Pindar to victory at this event as he made his mark on this European fleet ahead of what looks to be a closely fought summer M32 season in Europe.
The last of the winter’s ‘Poniente’ westerly kept both the experienced and the new M32 crews on their toes as conditions teetered in the high-teens, giving a thrilling end to this series.
49 races were competed in over the three event series, but not until the final one was victory for the Dutch secured. Richard Davies with his team Section 16 held the Series title until the final beat as the two teams fought it out, hungry for this early season victory.
“I can’t believe how close the racing is,” said Richard Davies, skipper of Section 16 and president of the M32 International Class Association. “…it comes down to last leg of the last race and the leadership swapped twice. It doesn’t get any better. Congratulations to Pieter-Jan Postma for an awesome result and hard fought victory. Roll on the next round!”
