One month to the start of the 2010 Audi MedCup Circuit’s first regatta in Cascais (May 11-16) and preparation activity is evident in several different European sailing centres where TP52 Series and GP42 Series contenders are making sure their programmes are on schedule to hit the first start lines in Cascais, Portugal with the best chance of wining.
“We will also realise a benefit in reduced windage, but the main objective was in stiffening the boat back up again.” Remarks Quantum Racing’s project manager Ed Reynolds (USA), “This is going to be an exciting season. With two or maybe three new teams for sure the level is going to go up. When the newest boats sailed races which were perfect or close to perfect, then we struggled a little at times against them. TeamOrigin’s new boat will be interesting, but we really are pretty optimistic. We know that consistency is the absolute key and at this level that is not always possible. We’ll be shooting for podium finishes.”
Quantum Racing have recruited past Farr 40 world championship winner Adrian Stead (GBR) as tactician who will partner Kevin Hall (USA) who will be the navigator. Quantum Racing plan to train over the coming days off Valencia, along with Cristabella (GBR).
Emirates Team New Zealand have the winning momentum and trialled their modified Botin Carkeek design at home off Auckland. Their changes are only in line with the rule changes for 2010, and some cosmetic differences, but they have worked extensively on their sail package for this season.
“To be honest it is difficult to feel the differences in the boat after the changes because we were just one boat testing, and its only once you get up against other boats then we’ll see how we are.” Remarks Emirates Team New Zealand’s tactician Ray Davies (NZL), “We are confident. You have to be confident in your sailing and believe in yourselves. We have that, then it is down to the process of how we deliver consistent results. So we are focusing on the process and we definitely have the people to win again.”
“It was exciting to see the TeamOrigin boat sailing in Auckland. Juan (Kouyoumdjian) has pushed the boundaries and if they have a speed edge they will be very hard to beat.” Concludes Davies. - http://www.medcup.org
