Matador returns as challengers step up
by Nic Douglass 11 Mar 11:15 NZDT
Matador looking for puffs to join together at last year's finale © Nic Douglass for @sailorgirlhq
The rivalry at the Pallas Capital Gold Cup just got stronger, with reigning benchmark Matador returning to the start line after earlier uncertainty around the campaign.
With Matador back on the line and challengers sharpening their programs, the battle for Pallas Capital Gold Cup honours is shaping up as one of the most competitive yet, with boats such as Zen and First Light expected to push hard at the front of the fleet.
"We've got much the same team returning this season," said Matador owner David Doherty. "We've just had the boat out of the water for maintenance and gone through everything. We've made a few changes to the rig which will hopefully give us some performance gains."
Doherty admitted the decision to return to the series came unexpectedly.
"I came back because I couldn't sell the boat," he said with a laugh. "But I'm looking forward to some good fair racing."
Alongside Matador, the fleet includes several proven performers, with Zen returning to Australian waters following its recent international campaign and First Light continuing to build momentum after a strong run of results.
Racing in the Pallas Capital Gold Cup begins with Act 1 on 21-22 March at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, where the TP52 and Super 40 fleets will go head-to-head on Sydney Harbour. With international programs joining established Australian campaigns, the opening regatta is expected to set the tone for what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Pallas Capital Gold Cup series yet.
For more information on the Pallas Capital Gold Cup head to www.GoldCupRegatta.com.
Thanks to title sponsor Pallas Capital for supporting the class.