Saturday 13 February 2010

America's Cup: Quotes from on board USA - skipper and helmsman, James Spithill


USA Skipper James Spithill on coming off the water on 12th February after racing. Image copyright Gilles Martin-Raget/BMW ORACLE Racing.

by Jane Eagleson

On the pre-start: "We did a pretty nice job we were able to get the penalty and really had them on the ropes. But we got locked in to windward and tried to tack out but had a bit of a fumble and got stuck in the breeze. It didn't turn out the way I wanted it to! But leading up to that, the guys did a great job of putting us in a very powerful position."

On the boat speed: "I always thought if we were able to fly a hull we'd be faster upwind, but I was genuinely surprised downwind."

On the second half of the race: "For the downwind sail combination, the trimmers and weather guys made a good call. We decided to run with the Code 0 downwind anjd it was definitely the sail JK (tactician John Kostecki) and Matteo (Navigator Matteo Plazzi) did a great job of getting us on the layline."

On his feelings on the day: "This was one of the hardest days I've had on the boat with the pressure and direction changes. But all in all it was a good day. I'm sure there are some improvements we can make, but obviously it was great."

On needing one more win: "We're taking each race as it comes... There is stuff we can do to improve. Obviously downspeed we need some practics! We're excited to get this one in. It's full credit to the guys. For the shore guys and the guys who got it ready for us, today was a day where everything was great on the boat and that was really key for us as well."

BMW ORACLE Racing

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