Artemis skipper Ian Percy doubted that the team would race before the semifinals against Luna Rossa on August 7. Photo / AP
Artemis skipper Iain Percy kept a strong grip on the rudder of common sense and trimmed the sails of expectation yesterday.
The appearance of Artemis on San Francisco Bay after May's shocking capsize and the death of Andrew Simpson has provoked an emotional response.
"We've had great support," Percy said.
"It's been really nice to see the camaraderie from the other teams - we've had a great cheer from all those guys as we have sailed past.
"To go out on those boats for three days in a row is one thing on its own; but to go out for three days in a row in your first time sailing one of them is quite something."
Percy admitted that he and his crew had to fight their instincts to leap into the new 72ft catamaran and press it as hard as it would go. But he doubted that the team would race before the semifinals against Luna Rossa on August 7.
