Photo art at its best: Nico Martinez photographed the TP-52 fleet in front of Scarlino
At the start of the 52 Super Series in Tuscan waters, Harm Müller-Spreer's "Platoon" crew won third place among the eleven top yachts from nine countries. One day before the final, the TP 52 of the Hamburg owner and helmsman was even in second place, but was unable to take advantage of the opportunity to attack leader "Quantum", which had previously been achieved with strong results, in the last two races.
Owner Harm Müller-Spreer drove his "Platoon" at the season opener of the 52 Super Series ahead of Scarlino in third place
The battle for the podium was just as exciting over a total of eight races as the previous season had ended. "Platoon" started the final spurt on Sunday just four points behind the American "Quantum" and two points ahead of the British "Alegre". But then the crew with tactician Markus Wieser crossed the finish line in race nine in eighth place and slipped back. Wieser then explained: "The deflector broke for us. We couldn't put the backstays on properly afterwards." In the final sprint, "Platoon" lacked the necessary speed to seriously attack the front runners. With fourth place in the final race, he managed to jump on the podium behind the victorious "Quantum" crew with professional skipper Ed Baird and the "Alegre".
Magnificent sailing games in front of Scarlino. Photo artist Nico Martinez held it with his camera festival
The seagulls occupied the front row. In the background, the "Platoon" crew is fighting for a place on the podium
"Quantums" tactician Terry Hutchinson said: "The standard in this fleet is extremely high." And "Alegres" tactician Nick Asher confirmed: "You just can't make mistakes. If you make a mistake, you will be punished. Harsh. Quantum Racing is the benchmark in terms of continuity. But we also have a great team on board." Markus Wieser also drew a positive balance at the end of the series: "We sailed really well. Harm is also satisfied. We have Jordi Calafat on board as a strategist. He takes care of our sails. That was a good start overall."
"Platoon" off the Tuscan coast
The class continues to discuss the introduction of an "Owner / Driver Rule" to resolve the disproportion between professionals and owners at the wheel. The 52 Super Series will continue in June in front of Porto Cervo and will end after further stops in Puerto Portals and in front of Mahon with the fifth and last regatt in the Portuguese area in front of Cascais.
You can find the results here
Sailing with a view: The 52 Super Series began in front of a wonderful backdrop in Tuscan waters
