Pretty Sailing Race Team

Onboard with Aviador (12) for a high-pressure leeward mark rounding. As the spinnaker comes down, a windward boat threatens to roll over them, leading to a heated exchange on the water.

Watch the communication as the crew calls "No!" to the approaching boat while simultaneously pushing their own helmsman to sail higher and higher upwind. It’s a masterclass in lane protection denying the overlap and ensuring they have a clean lane for the next leg.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ DefensiveSailing​ BoatHandling​ FleetRacing​ OneDesign​ CloseQuarters​ Gibraltar​ SailingLife​ Regatta

Onboard footage from Valkyrie (10) during a wind day in the Bay of Gibraltar with gusts exceeding 20 knots. The team manages extreme sheet tension while awaiting upgraded block hardware, making every maneuver a test of strength.

The first clip shows a lovely executed gybe that turns volatile as the boat is overpowered and rounds up, followed by a rapid recovery. In the second clip, a massive gust caught the crew off guard, causing several to lose their footing. Despite the slip, the team stays on board, regains steerage, and continues the downwind blast.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SpinnakerSheet​ HeavyWeather​ SailingRecovery​ BoatHandling​ GripAndRip​ SailingShorts​ Gibraltar

Onboard footage from J/80 Aquaholic (09) as a tactical gybe coincides with a 20-knot gust. The boat is instantly overpowered, resulting in a round-up as the main comes across under peak pressure.

With the boat loaded up and steerage compromised, the crew eases the sheets to dump power and regain control. Despite the momentary wipeout, the team stabilizes the boat and continues flying downwind in the heavy Bay of Gibraltar conditions.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Overpowered​ BoatHandling​ FleetRacing​ SailingShorts​ Gibraltar​ SailingLife

A unique low-angle view of the J/80 fleet as they charge toward the leeward mark. Captured from a bouy on its side, this shows a great perspective.

Watch the sequence as Fiestas (07) leads the pack, followed closely by GVS/PAS (04), Kouko (03), Vertigo (01), Aviador (12), and Nexum (06).

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ BoatHandling​ RegattaAction​ OneDesign​ Gibraltar​ SailingPhotography​ CloseRacing​ SailingAction​ WaterLevel

Onboard with Vertigo (01) for a high-stakes start line entry. With the seconds ticking down, the skipper spots a narrow window between Valkyrie (10) and the Committee Boat.

It’s a heart-stopping move that requires absolute precision and nerves of steel. Did she see a genuine gap, or was this a high-risk gamble that nearly ended in carbon fiber contact? You be the judge of this tight start line maneuver!

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ BoatHandling​ SailingTactics​ RegattaStart​ Valkyrie10​ Vertigo01​ FleetRacing​ SailingLife​ Gibraltar

A compressed start line moment in the J/80 fleet, captured from multiple angles, as Kouko (03) luffs hard to avoid being over early.

As separation disappears, Peninsula (02) comes through with speed. Kouko powers up and heels under load, bringing the boats into contact at the masthead, with visible bend in the sails.

Despite the contact, both crews avoid getting locked together and continue without damage.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ FleetRacing​ BoatHandling​ PreStart​ SailingTactics​ SailboatRacing​ Regatta​ SailingShorts

An incident at the windward mark involving Vertigo (01) and Valkyrie (10). As the boats approach the rounding,.

The disagreement is about lane room and the obligations of the windward boat. While Vertigo (01) did not have an inside overlap, they maintained that Valkyrie (10), as the windward boat, failed to keep clear and provide sufficient room for the rounding. A look at the tight tactical margins and rule applications at the top of the course.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ WindwardMark​ RacingRules​ FleetRacing​ SailingTactics​ OneDesign​ Gibraltar​ SailingLife​ J80Racing

A masthead view of a fast downwind moment as Valkyrie (10) is forced to gybe to avoid a developing collision.

With another boat closing in, the crew reacts quickly, executing a controlled gybe and avoiding contact. The manoeuvre allows them to escape pressure and continue at speed downwind.

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ CloseQuarters​ BoatHandling​ SailingTactics​ OneDesignRacing​ SailboatRacing​ Regatta​ SailingShorts

Chaos on board Team Kouko (03) as a 20-knot gust triggers a violent broach. The intensity of the wipeout nearly sends a crew member overboard, with only the guard rails preventing a Man Overboard situation.

Looks like a spinnaker halyard slip may have initiated the loss of control, causing the kite to de-power and reload at the worst possible moment. Watch the split-second reaction as the crew fights to stay on the boat and regain steerage in the Bay of Gibraltar.

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