Cape 31 Med Circuit at the Porquerolles Race - Day 1

Cape 31 Med Circuit at Porquerolles Race day 1 © Mauro Melandri

The Cape 31 Med Circuit fired back into action today for the first day of racing at the stunning Porquerolles Race, where light conditions and tactical pressure made for a fascinating start to Round Two. 16 teams from 12 nations took to the start line.

The breeze took its time to settle as the sea breeze fought with a gradient wind, but after a patient wait ashore, teams were rewarded with a race in the late afternoon—and it was the newcomers who made the biggest mark.

Portuguese team Firstings, making their Cape 31 debut, stunned the fleet by winning their very first race at their very first event.

"We're still learning the boat," said Pedro Rebelo de Andrade after racing.

"Just beginner's luck, I would say. We started at the pin end because we're trying to avoid too much trouble at the start—because we don't know how to deal with the boat yet—but nobody came to the pin. We took it. The left was strong. We took it as well, so it worked. It was a great start."

Cape 31 Med Circuit at Porquerolles Race day 1 - photo © Mauro Melandri

Reigning European Champions La Pericolosa, led by Christian Schwoerer, secured second place, reminding the fleet of their trademark consistency. In third was another new name to the class, Nikolai Burkart, also sailing a freshly chartered boat.

The podium was a clear sign of the growing depth and talent within the Cape 31 fleet—packed with fresh faces and global ambition.

It was also a landmark day as the class welcomed some truly exciting new additions to the fleet, including Kalantis, Firstings, and two standout teams from the USA—Pacific Yankee and Warrior Won, who have crossed the Atlantic to join the growing European scene.

Cape 31 Med Circuit at Porquerolles Race day 1 - photo © Mauro Melandri

With 16 teams from 12 nations racing this week, Porquerolles has become a true international battleground — and the leaderboard is wide open.

Racing continues tomorrow, with a stronger forecast and three races scheduled. Stay tuned as the fight for Round Two of the 2025 Cape 31 Med Circuit intensifies.

Results: cms.cape31class.com/racing/results/regatta/54

Cape 31 Med Circuit at Porquerolles Race day 1 - photo © Mauro Melandri