ETNZ's Extreme 40 in Almeria. Image copyright Paul Wyeth/OC Events.
by ETNZ media
Competing in the last round of the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series being sailed at Almeria, Spain, the Emirates Team New Zealand crew is coming to grips with the subtleties of break-neck, multi-hull racing.
“This time on the water in these boats against such experienced opposition is invaluable,” Barker said.
“Short courses and quick-fire racing throw up dozens of situations that require instant action to gain advantage – or avoid disaster.
”The breeze on Day 3 was soft – a gentle 5-8 knots – and sharp contrast to the 20 knots plus of the previous day.
Some better results for Emirates Team New Zealand – two fourths and two fifths in the inner-harbour fleet racing – and at the end of the day organisers threw in a match race which the Emirates Team New Zealand crew won.
On a typical afternoon racing starts outside the inner-harbour “stadium” about 2pm. The courses are slightly longer and three to four races might be held.
At 3.30pm, the fleet moves into the harbour where the crowd waits. Barker says the atmosphere is buzzing ... “harbour walls are jam-packed with people, there’s a fair bit of yahooing and the commentary is loud.
“The legs might last only a couple of minutes so the crowd sees plenty of action.”
Darren Bundock ('Bundy') (AUS) came along to teach Emirates Team New Zealand sailors how to sail cats. Image copyright Paul Wyeth/OC Events.
Barker said: “We didn’t have a good time in the three races outside the harbour, but once we were inside and into the closer contact stuff we had some pretty good results.
“What’s the difference between us and the two top boats? It’s time on the water. These boys know their boats inside out and they know how to sail them well. It’s no surprise that these guys are as dominant as they are.
“Multi-hull racing is quite different from racing a mono-hull well and we certainly understand how to make one of those work. But in the end I am sure we’ll find that many of the skills needed will be very similar. ”
Extract from Dean Barker's Kiwi Yachting Consultants' blog over the last 2 days:
"We had one situation although never really in great danger was still very full on with both bows completely buried and rudders well out of the water! [with breeze on, yesterday]
"Today was a complete contrast with the wind back in the 5-8 knot range and while it is much more sedate the boathandling and acceleration is hard at times. The biggest challenge is still about how best to control the boat around the start line and get yourself a clear lane..."
ETNZ
Extreme Sailing Series Europe
