Argo Group Gold Cup provides testing conditions for teams ETNZ/BlackMatch and USA's Dave Perry. Image copyright Charles Anderson.
by David Swete
Day two of racing and the wind that was promised certainly delivered, as racing got underway early this morning in blustery conditions that often saw gusts of 30 knots. We had two action packed victories over Rasmus Viltoft from Denmark and the USA’s Dave Perry, while we suffered our first defeat of the regatta, going down against Portuguese sailor Alvaro Marinho.
Pre-start circling. Image copyright Charles Anderson.
In our race against Viltoft we received a penalty in the pre-start dialup. Although we were the leeward right of way boat, the umpires deemed the Dane was doing all he could to keep clear and as he drifted onto us a collision occurred that saw us surprisingly receive a penalty. Despite this we were in a better position off the start-line and after a good first beat we held the lead around the first top mark. The decision was made to try and extend throughout the race and complete our penalty turn on the final upwind, we did so nearing the top mark but now only had the slimmest of leads. The final run to the finish was very exciting as Viltoft brought good wind pressure up from behind, he threw everything he had at us and we had to defend, luffing hard out of gybes as both boats rumbled toward the finish line barely in control. We did a great job of controlling our position and while the Danish team ‘wiped out’ on the approach to the finish, we bore away to take the win.
Despite our loss to world number 15 Alvaro Marinho today, we still have the chance to top our group in our three remaining races, however we are racing arguably 3 of the toughest competitors at this years Argo Group Gold Cup. First up we have Ben Ainslie, followed by Bjorn Hansen and Sebastian Col, a tough line up but we are looking forward to the challenge tomorrow.
BlackMatch Racing and Fedex Express watch the racing in Bermuda from the VIP boat. Image copyright Jenny Warner.
BlackMatch would like to make a special mention to Mark Watson who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Argo Group. Mark is not only the title sponsor of the Argo Group Gold Cup, but is also an avid sailor. Mark and his team have played host to BlackMatch’s sponsor Fedex Express, entertaining them on the magnificent 110ft Motor Yacht Venetian, which provides the best seat in the house for the action on the water, thank you Mark for all of your help this week. We would also like to thank everyone from Fedex Express who joined us on the water today, we hope you all enjoyed your day and hope we can deliver the goods tomorrow. To the RNZYS and Emirates Team New Zealand, thank you for your support.
BlackMatch Racing
World Match Racing Tour
No comments:
Post a Comment