Light airs lure syndicates out for a practice day

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Light, shifty conditions on the Hauraki Gulf yesterday hardly made for spectacular sailing, but were enough to lure the three remaining America's Cup syndicates out on to the water.

Louis Vuitton Cup leader Alinghi had both boats out, but spent most time in the light airs off Takapuna Beach.

Spokesman Bernard Schopfer said the light conditions could be mirrored today when racing resumes after the scheduled lay day.

"Every day is an opportunity to try new things," Schopfer said. "The conditions were very light, which was a change after the 12-18 knots we have had for the last couple of races.

"Who knows, the winds might be as light for the next race so it is good to practice in those conditions. A bit of light-air sailing is good for a change."

As would be expected for a syndicate enjoying such a good run, he said there were "no problems" and the crew were looking forward to racing again.

After their problems in race two and their subsequent 40s loss to Alinghi, Oracle BMW Racing, too, were out yesterday.

Making the most of the slightly brisker breezes earlier in the day, they had both their yachts out in the course area with the emphasis on pre-start routines.

While the challengers continue their series - which could, given favourable conditions, be over by Friday - Team New Zealand continue their build-up to the February 15 start of the America's Cup.

In a search for some decent winds, Dean Barker on NZL82 and Bertrand Pace at the wheel of NZL81 headed out to the red course close to Tiritiri Matangi Island yesterday, but, in the end, decided against racing and did some testing.

Team New Zealand's Tom Schnackenberg agreed the light conditions would probably have meant a "no-race day" for the challengers and had been just as frustrating for his men.

"In the past we have tended to race in the flukey conditions and have still had some fun," Schnackenberg said. "It is more annoying to have conditions like that when we have gone out to do some testing."

Testing, he reckons, is almost over. "The emphasis from now on will be on racing as we lead up to the cup."

Schnackenberg said Team New Zealand had not learned much from the two Louis Vuitton Cup races between Alinghi and Oracle, "apart from seeing who the likely challenger will be."

Team New Zealand had deliberately kept away from the race course to give the challengers and the spectator fleet the room they needed.

Schnackenberg said he could not pinpoint why the Swiss challenger had appeared faster throughout the regatta.

"I can't see any one reason. Perhaps they are a little sharper [with their crew work].

"We don't like to talk too much about their designs, just as we don't talk about ours."


nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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