Greek Challenge versus Pataugas by K-Challenge. Image copyright Pierre Orphanidis/Greek Challenge.
by Pierre Orphanidis
The pupils faced their mentors today on the waters of Auckland’s harbour. Greek Challenge raced France’s Pataugas K-Challenge in an emotional and nail biting match. It was doubly emotional, not only because of the very tight and close racing and the lead changes but also because K-Challenge were the instructors that the Greeks had in their very first contact with America’s Cup boats in Valencia only one month ago.
With only a smattering of foreigners on the Greek Challenge yacht, today’s result was a huge achievement and shows that bigger and better things could be realized in the future. As one local commentator put it, “the Greeks are learning and absorbing this experience like the famous sponges in their home waters”.
Greek Challenge held it tight and close and Gavin Brady together with the rest of the crew put extreme pressure on the French boat, steered by match racing top-ranked Sébastien Col. Brady clearly wanted the left and got it, hitting the starting line a bit slower then Col. The first beat turned into an intensive tacking duel with the French ahead in the first crossing. Greek Challenge then opted for the right side of the course and approached the top mark ahead of the French.
The two yachts faced a clash situation at the top mark. Brady managed to sneak inside the French and the two were practically side-by-side when they rounded the mark. Greek Challenge had the advantage and could have started the run in a leading position but the fledgling team suffered from a moment of miscommunication. Col grabbed the opportunity and passed the Greek boat.
Despite the very tidy gybes the Greeks threw at the French and the intense fight, they couldn’t find the right opportunity to pass and crossed the finish line a mere 27 seconds behind proving that even the slightest error can cost dearly in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.
In the other match of the Silver Fleet, China Team scored a decisive victory over South Africa’s Shosholoza. As a result, the Greeks will have to beat the Chinese team in tomorrow’s match, if they are to keep their chances to advance in the event’s quarterfinals.
Quotes of the day
Mark Lagesse (RSA), navigator on Greek Challenge: “It was a good race and yet another step into the right direction. We just didn’t go out on the water to simply sail but to do proper match racing. We can position our yacht tactically and not just defend. The boat is sailing faster by the day.
"We had a good start and got the left side, just like we wanted. The French got off the starting line slightly faster than us but in the first beat we were able to put pressure on them. We reached the top mark in a very aggressive match race situation, a true clash and sneaked inside them. We could have luffed harder on them and maybe cause damage but we followed the spirit of the event. This is about friendly sailing not about breaking the boats. The aim is not to win at all cost. Unfortunately, we had a split second of miscommunication aboard and gave up our advantage at the top mark. The French passed us and despite the pressure we put on them they didn’t commit any error.
"Without any doubt, the Greeks have made massive improvement since I met them in Valencia for the first time, just a short month ago; massive improvement.”
Sotiris Buseas (GRE), aft grinder and Greek Challenge CEO: “Just like the rest of races this one was a learning experience but with an emotional angle for me. K-Challenge was the team that showed us the ropes in Valencia during a one-week crash course in America’s Cup sailing. It’s a joy for us they won. I wish them the best and look forward to facing them again in the quarterfinals.
"We have already achieved our goal in this event. Despite our inexperience, we sailed very well, scored one victory and learned a lot. The aim is to now learn as much as possible in the few days left in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series.
"I’m probably the smallest and least powerful grinder in the fleet but don’t forget that Greeks grind not only with their muscles but also their minds and guts. Still, for me it is the best place in order to observe the crew. I’m at the back of the boat and I can view the crew’s performance and behavior. I get much-needed first-hand experience.”
Terry Serepisos (GRE-NZL), 18th man and owner of the NZ football club Wellington Phoenix: “It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Not only was it the first time ever I set foot on a sailing yacht, it had to be an America’s Cup boat.
"I was surprised to see the amount of work put by the crew during a race. I would have never imagined the preparation and effort needed to sail these yachts in such a competitive race. They also sail much faster than I thought and being onboard is a great privilege.
"I’m the owner of a football club and if I compare it to the sport I know, this is like driving a Ferrari car. In football you watch the match from a distance while here you right in the middle of the action.
"Congratulations to Greek Challenge. They sailed very well and fought really hard.”
18th man
The Greek team was honored today by the presence of Terry Serepisos, a Wellington-based Greek-Kiwi property developer and owner of the Wellington Phoenix, the only New Zealand football club competing in the Australian A-League.
Few people are more closely associated with Wellington’s inner city renaissance than Terry Serepisos. With contemporary style, sophistication, as well as tradition, in mind, Serepisos’ focus has been on the investment and development of several impressive Wellington landmark sites.
Serepisos has also invested in and developed many upmarket residential properties, which have also added to the character and style of Wellington architecture.
Greek Challenge
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