LVPS: TEAMORIGIN Score an Impressive Win Against Alinghi

TEAMORIGIN lead Alinghi downwind. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.

by Leslie Ryan

Following a ‘bye’ day on Saturday, TEAMORIGIN were as prepared as they could be for what promised to be a tough race against America’s Cup Defenders, Alinghi (SUI).

They were scheduled in as race two of the day and racing times had been tightened up due to a strong wind forecast for later in the day so the team were ready to start 10 minutes after the first race of the day, Damiani Italia vs. Pataugas K Challenge.

Following some fairly aggressive circling before the start, TEAMORIGIN managed to luff Alinghi over the start line early causing them to have to tack back, bear away and gybe and then get back onto the wind and so carrying a disadvantage from the outset of the race.

The TEAMORIGIN guys pushed ahead up the first beat and rounded the first windward mark 1 minute and 1 second ahead. During the first downwind leg, Alinghi went left and managed to regain some ground, rounding the right hand leeward gate only 34 seconds behind.

TEAMORIGIN covered their opponents well during the 2nd beat. The final downwind leg saw TEAMORIGIN continue to cover Alinghi keeping them at a safe enough distance to protect their lead and crossed the finish line to take victory with a winning delta of 36 seconds.


Ben Ainslie at the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland. Image copyright Ian Roman/TEAMORIGIN.

Ben Ainslie, Skipper and Helmsman, spoke after racing, “Alinghi are the bench mark in the modern America’s Cup. We are very happy with the result but there is a long way to go in this regatta.”

Sir Keith Mills, Team Principal, landed at Auckland airport just as his team crossed the finish line – a nice result to arrive in to!

Mike Sanderson, Team Director and also doing runners on the boat, added “A great result today, the guys sailed really well. Ben got a fantastic start but we are certainly not getting ahead of ourselves, we have a long way to go yet and much to improve on around the race track. All the same, wonderful to get a point against such an experienced team in a 20 knot breeze.”


Other results from day three:
Damiani Italia 1 : Pataugas K Challenge 0
TEAMORIGIN 1 : Alinghi 0
BMW Oracle 1 : China Team 0
Luna Rossa vs. Shosholosa – race delayed and to be raced on Mon 2nd Feb after race 4

Emirates TNZ and Greek challenge – bye

TEAMORIGIN