Emirates Team NZ : Lessons learned at Trapani

Day two of Act 6 of the Extreme 40 Sailing Series in Trapani, Sicily, delivered fast and furious racing in a steady breeze ranging between 15 and 20 knots.

The Emirates Team New Zealand crew, on only their second day racing together on the Extreme 40 catamarans, experienced the fast-paced action that a stronger breeze can produce.

Skipper Adam Beashel said the some valuable lessons were learned today. “Today’s racing was what these boats are all about and shows the sort of explosive action that they can deliver. It was frustrating that that we couldn’t produce the results and the consistency that we wanted.”

It was the second and last day of “open water” racing. Tomorrow the regatta moves to its “stadium racing” mode with tighter courses in confined waters.

The Extreme 40 Sailing Series is a tough one and the team face some very seasoned opponents.
“It’s a steep learning curve for us and today’s conditions presented a different set of challenges from the light airs of yesterday.

“We are showing some good potential especially in our up-wind performance and starts, but a number of small errors and missed opportunities are costing us.

“This series is so competitive that you can’t afford to make those small errors and we know that we can do better.

“We’ll take away a lot from today’s racing and the boys will reflect on this tonight and attempt to build on it tomorrow.

“I feel like we’re on the brink of a good result and tomorrow’s new format offers a good opportunity to deliver on that.”