RC44 Championship-Tour 2012, Cascais AEZ Team winds up for the second strike: Itching for More On this upcoming Wednesday the RC44 Championship tour will be rung in at its second station, Cascais (POR). Fifteen syndicates from nine nations have been slated for the Atlantic trip, with the hosts even raising their own team into the ring, and Russell Coutts returns to the RC circus. After the sensational kick-off at Lanzarote, where the AEZ RC44 Sailing Team had two victories of the day and placed fifth overall, Christian Binder and Co. began to target a top spot this time as well. Considering the strong international competition and the high levels within the class, the corroboration of the Lanzarote round will not be an easy undertaking. However, the AEZ Team abounds with self-confidence and drive under the red-white-red flag. With the commitment of Markus Wieser it seems they have made a great deal and the harmony between the German Match Race master Binder and helmsman Rene Mangold is obvious. The Russian syndicate Katusha had signed on for the Cascais RC44 Cup Russell Coutts as tactician, which returns the four-time AC Champion to the class he founded. Portugal placed their own team at the home event their own team. Aqua (GBR), who won in the direct duels as well as in the Fleet Race at the season kick-off, is the favorite. The regatta begins on Wednesday with the Match Race decision, and the fleet will sail from Thursday through 1 April for the Cascais Cup.

Voices: Christian Binder (Trim & Overall Tactician): "We want to show that Lanzarote was not a coincident and that we hope to receive at the home event at Traunsee (30 May - 3 June) yet another great swell of self-confidence. We have adapted the material a bit and will use Wednesday to test out a few more details. Our focus is directed on the Fleet Race decision, we aim for a place in middle field." Markus Wieser (Strategist): "The basic position itself has not changed, the competition is enormous, everyone can hit everyone. We want to make more promotion on our own account and we're excited about this challenge. Cascais is a heavenly but very special sailing area - a thrilling decision will be guaranteed." RC44 Championship-Tour 2012, Intermediate Standings: FLEET RACE 1. Aqua (GBR) 2. Aleph (FRA) 3. Artemis Racing (SWE) 5. AEZ RC44 Sailing Team MATCH RACE: 1. Aqua (GBR) 7. AEZ RC44 Sailing Team AEZ Light Alloy Wheels, an essential component of the four-headed ALCAR Family, sets itself apart through innovative quality, the demand for perfection and a maximum on quality insurance. The Top Austrian Company's ever-increasing popularity is not limited to its products for the streets, but is also known for its regatta racing. Aside from the RC44 Team and Markus Wieser, the Youth Olympic sailor Lara Vadlau with foresailor Eva Maria Schimak, as well as Junior World Champion and 49er Ace Thomas Zajac and Thomas Czajka belong to the AEZ Family. www.aez-wheels.com Tour Dates 2012: 8 - 12 February Puerto Calero/ESP 28 March – 1 April Cascais/POR 30 May – 3 June Gmunden/AUT 18 - 22 July Marstrand/SWE 3 - 7 October Weltmeisterschaft, Rovinj/CRO Link: www.rc44.at

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