Extreme 40s: ECOVER Still on Podium after a Tough Day on the Water

by Lucy Harwood

The battle for the overall lead continues Oman Sail The Wave, Muscat had another solid performance Monday and continue to dominate the leaderboard. But the fight for second and third remains close between Ecover, Oman Sail Masirah and Groupe Edmond Rothschild with just one point separating the three teams.

Conditions were variable throughout the day, with anything from 5 to 12 knots. Ecover had mixed results, but are still holding onto second overall and continue to fight for the lead. Groupe Edmond Rothschild who had been struggling earlier in the week, found their form, with the French team showing their expertise in the lighter, fluky breeze. They have moved from the middle of the fleet to third overall after three days of racing.

Talking after racing today, skipper Mike Golding commented, “We had an average long distance race this morning. I think we just had a bad start, and ultimately we got the tide wrong. We were the wrong side of the starting line, and because it was a reaching race we didn’t have a chance to come back, it was just a procession. AS for this afternoon, I think today we felt a little out of sync onboard, things didn’t work quite as well as we have been used to over the last few days. I don’t think we are necessarily tired, although it’s been a long day for everyone out there. Usually we would be finishing the regatta now, but we still have another three days of racing to go here. So we just need to get back into the groove really, find our feet again and start being more consistent. It wasn’t the best day by recent standards, but we haven’t lost out that much in the overall scheme of things, so we’re still up there and in with a spot on the podium. The Wave have got a little further ahead but we’re going to keep pushing.”

Joining the crew onboard today was Barcelona Olympic gold and silver medallist, swimmer Katy Sexton. She stepped onboard Ecover as a 5th man for the first race of the day. "That was an amazing experience. I have never done anything like that before. It was awesome to see how the team work together and how quick the decisions need to be onboard. I felt like we had a little insight into another world out there, seeing them plan the tactics ahead of the start, and how intense the racing is, that was a unque experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone".

There is no morning race Tuesday, but racing kicks off at Egypt point from 1600 BST.

Standings after Day 3
1. The Wave, Muscat 127 pts
2. Ecover 112 pts
3. Groupe Edmond de Rothschild 112 pts
4. Oman Sail Masirah 113 pts
5. Red Bull Extreme Sailing 106 pts
6. Groupama 87 pts
7. Team GAC Pindar 82 pts
8. The Ocean Racing Club 79 pts
9. Veolia Environnement 22 pts

ECOVER Sailing Team
Extreme Sailing Series Europe