TEAMORIGIN and Pataugas by K-Challenge at the start. Image copyright Franck Socha.
by Stephanie Nadin
The Challenger Sail Offs are now over, and unfortunately Pataugas by K-Challenge didn't defeat Team Origin today. This team now moves up to the quarter finals against Damiani Italia Challenge.
In the other Sail Off, Luna Rossa won over China Team the second spot for the quarters.
Sebastien Col, Skipper and Helmsman: “it is always very frustrating to lose in match racing, as there is no second.
"We were not at our best today on the start line, and there are some small adjustments to make in the information and communication process, but also for the coordination. We didn't do big mistakes during this regatta, but we missed some time to make these adjustments.
"On this last race against Team Origin, we had the opportunity to put pressure on our opponent, in order to take the lead. But when this was the right moment after the spinnaker hoist at the first mark, we didn't manage to do it as we were blocked between Team Origin, who had the priority, and the obstruction zone.
"Then we stayed close, but we lost the electronics (measuring the wind's strength and direction at the top of the mast). So we didn't get the right infos any more, and it was more difficult for us to get a good position on the race course. After that there was a wind shift on the right about 25 to 30 degrees for the two last legs, which considerably reduced the options to reach our opponent, and then there were no real opportunities any more.
"These small missed details are very frustrating as we gathered a convincing team, with a very good spirit and experience, and this is one goal that we reached successfully. But our small mistakes cost us a lot in the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, just as it is the case for any top level match racing competition. We need more time working together in advance to reach performance.”
Stephane Kandler, K-Challenge's CEO concludes about the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series: “Unfortunately there was no surprise against a solid competitor who confirmed its status of favorite. Our crew did its best to stay in the match, but after a penalty in a luffing match on the first downwind leg, it was difficult to come back. Hierarchy has been respected in this event, even if the races were more opened than ever.
"We took the risk to invest and to come with a new crew, as we believe in our ambition which is to create positive dynamics for the next America's Cup. We often missed some details this time to take the advantage. This group has a future, and it now needs the chance to continue to work together, as it is the key to success in the long term. It will be my goal for the coming months, but I want to thank again all the crew and our sponsors who made it possible to give this new start to the French team : Pataugas, Saint Honore, Canal+, Chateau Tourril, Gaastra and the French Sailing Federation. We will carry on our efforts in the coming months to be ready as we are one of the official challengers, as soon as the 33rd America´s Cup will start again.”
Pataugas by K-Challenge is now actively preparing for the future, and in particular to be ready for when the 33rd America's Cup will start, which is something we will know soon thanks to the Court decision that should come out soon in the case between BMW Oracle Racing and Alinghi.
Pataugas by K-Challenge
No comments:
Post a Comment