Brad and Tom cat sailing in the Bay of Islands. Image copyright Black Sheep Racing.
by Black Sheep Racing media
The team has been based in the Bay of Islands training on two double handed Formula 18 catamarans since the beginning of the year. The aim being to broaden our skill base in multihull yachts, as this is where the America’s Cup is heading.
We have sailed in one regatta in the boats, the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. This was a chance to line up on a start line with 14 other boats and simulate a regatta in preparation for the F18 nationals. We were mainly racing A-class cats as well as a Tornado Catamaran. Doing this has been useful regatta experience as we build up to the NZ Formula 18 nationals on the 12th and 13th of Feb.
The boats will be based in Auckland as of this week as we move our training to the venue. This will also mean we can train in keelboats in preparation for the coming match racing season.
The core team of Reuben Corbett, Brad Farrand and Tom Bentham has been joined by James Sandall for this part of our sailing programme. James comes from a laser background but also sailed a couple of match racing regattas with us last year.
Black Sheep would like to say a big thank-you to SLAM New Zealand who provided us with some clothing. Check out their store on Westhaven Drive next time you need some sailing gear.
Black Sheep Racing is Tom Bentham, James Sandall, Reuben Corbett and Brad Farrand.
Black Sheep Racing
