Extreme Sailing Series, Act 3 - J.P. Morgan BAR pushes hard on day 2
by Sarah Alexander on 3 May 2014
The Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series 2014 - JP Morgan - BAR Lloyd Images/Extreme Sailing Series
On day two of the Extreme Sailing Series, Act 3 J.P. Morgan BAR were pushed hard, experiencing some of the strongest and most extreme conditions of the circuit so far.
The 12 teams were delayed off the dock, with racing starting an hour later than planned, as the Race Management waited for the conditions to stabilise. Once racing commenced the fleet was spilt into three groups to complete six races inside Fushan Bay’s harbour.
After the light start to the event on day one, the team’s strength was tested in 20 – 26 knots, with gusts reaching 28 during race two. Despite the full on breeze the team were upbeat with the day’s racing. On her return to the dock Pippa Wilson commented, 'We went out not knowing what to expect, obviously we knew it would be a big breeze but actually it wasn’t quite as full on as we thought it could be.
But, the conditions were pretty unpredictable so we got quite caught out in the first race, there was a lot of wind on the other side of the track and nothing where we were so that was frustrating. It was difficult racing but really good fun, especially as it wasn’t as difficult as we expected!'
Tactician and Beijing 2008 Olympic gold medallist, Paul Goodison continued 'Today was pretty windy here in Qingdao, with the gusts rolling off the hills. We had a good game plan and we delivered most of it, we perhaps didn’t push hard enough at times which potentially cost us a few places, but that will come once we have more time on the water.'
We were always in control out there and never on the edge so that’s a good thing from the day and we got some results on the board. Tomorrow is looking like it could also be challenging but, it’s good racing and we are learning more each day.'
The team started the day with a visit from a local school, inspiring and sharing their 2008 Olympic gold medal stories, won on the local Qingdao waters.
For all the latest J.P. Morgan BAR news and updates from Act 3, follow the JP Morgan BAR blog or on twitter @JPMorganBAR.
Full J.P. Morgan BAR crew list
Skipper/ Helmsman – Ben Ainslie
Tactician – Paul Goodison
Bowman – Matt Cornwell
Trimmer – Nick Hutton
Trimmer – Pippa Wilson
Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 3 Qingdao, for the 'Double Star Mingren' Cup standings after day two, 14 races
1st Alinghi (SUI) 90 points.
2nd The Wave, Muscat (OMA) 76 points.
3rd Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) 73 points.
4th Realteam by Realstone (SUI) 69 points.
5th Team Extreme Qingdao (CHN) 64 points.
6th Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 63 points.
7th Groupama sailing team (FRA 61 points.
8th SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) 55 points.
9th Gazprom Team Russia (RUS) 55 points.
10th J.P. Morgan BAR (GBR 50 points.
11th GAC Pindar (AUS) 34 points.
12th Oman Air (OMA) 16 points.*
*Team will be awarded average points following tomorrow’s racing.
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