Alinghi crew get wet on day 3 in Oman. Image copyright Carlo Borlenghi/Alinghi.
by Paco Latorre
The switch from open-waters to the shore line “stadium” racing format proved tough for Alinghi in the third day of the Extreme Sailing Series competition in Oman.
The team had so far been in contention for the lead in the opening round of the series, but today proved difficult for the Swiss boat. The short race course tested the teams to the limits, including the Alinghi crew who paid the toll for this more unforgiving racing environment.
After an encouraging start to the day with a couple of good fourth positions in the opening races, race 14 and race 15 saw the Swiss boat locked up at the start and for race 16 they received a penalty going round the top mark. The final action was a match race against Red Bull Extreme Sailing, who beat Alinghi in the one-to-one duel.
"Today we saw the lightest winds we have faced during the last three weeks in Oman. It was not easy for us to find the right set up for our boat", said Nils Frei. "We didn't get very good starts and when compared to the first two days of racing, we are of course disappointed but we remain focussed and upbeat. The morale in the team is still buoyant and we remain confident for the final days."
Despite the disappointing end to the day, Alinghi remains close to the leaders, just 12 points apart, and will be fighting for victory until the last day of competition on Thursday. The competition is guaranteed to get fierce, with the top five teams separated by only 13 points after Day 3.
Standings
1.Groupe Edmond de Rothschild, 133 points
2.Artemis, 130 points
3.The Wave, 124 points
4. Alinghi, 121 points
5.Red Bull, 120 points
6.Luna Rossa, 103 points
7. Team New Zealand, 102 points
8.Oman Air, 101 points
9.Team Extreme, 59 points
10. Niceforyou, 37 points
11.Team GAC Pindar, 29 points
Alinghi
Extreme Sailing Series
