Ineos Team UK. Photo/ Brett Phibbs
OPINION:
Were Ineos Team UK foxing when they performed so badly during the pre-America's Cup racing in December?
It's a suggestion which I've heard being made, after their stunning two victories when the Prada Cup began.
My view is this: absolutely not. There was no deception involved from the Brits.
You could see by their reactions after the World Series that they were genuinely disappointed and concerned. They looked slightly defeated and worried especially with how the boat performed in lighter breeze.
So this is a genuine turnaround.
But I can understand why people are wondering, because what Ben Ainslie and Ineos have achieved is sensational.
I grew up in a shipyard, I work in a shipyard. I know how hard these things are to do.
You can't just suddenly decide on changes. The project has to go through a full design process, to ensure the alterations will actually make the boat go faster, while at least retaining its manoeuvrability.
All of the teams have made huge changes to the boats - the ones Ineos made certainly came out on top on day one.
But still, they weren't actually any faster than American Magic and Luna Rossa who they beat. Their victories were down to sailing ability.
Ineos have just three grinders - compared to four on the other boats - and you could see by the effort they were putting in just how determined this British team is.
They have some great sailors on board such as Bleddyn Môn, who I sailed with on Turn the Tide on Plastic in the 2017/18 Volvo Ocean Race. It's no surprise that Ineos could turn this situation around when they have that sort of quality on board.
And inslie is an incredible leader. He was under enormous pressure following his team's disappointing December races, yet stayed composed and has turned Ineos into the team to watch.
They have performed a complete makeover apparently, and some differences are obvious.
Their mainsail was a lot flatter, and their crew manoeuvres around the boat look more confident, which is down to all the practice they've done since Christmas. It has been a huge effort, and I know they had designers back in the United Kingdom involved as well.
As for American Magic and Luna Rossa, they will be left questioning their starts.
Every day is a new day and the conditions for today's racing will be slightly lighter. The winds tend to get lighter later in the day unless the sea breeze fills in, and with Ineos involved in the second race this will pose a revealing challenge for them. Ainslie is still saying they are yet to see how the boat will perform in the light air
All in all, it was a very encouraging start to the Prada Cup. It's great to know we have a competitive fleet.
Heading into the Cup racing?
• Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.
• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride.
• Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.
• For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.