Extreme Sailing Series Act 3 - A day of mixed fortunes for GAC Pindar
by Adam Tanous on 4 May 2014
GAC Pindar - 2014 Extreme Sailing Series Act 3 Lloyd Images/Extreme Sailing Series
On day three of racing at the Extreme Sailing Series in Qingdao, GAC Pindar enjoyed a strong start, securing a third place finish in the first race of the day, their best result so far this week and a great way for birthday girl, and GAC Pindar crew member Alexandra South, to celebrate turning 21.
The team continued to race well early on, taking fifth place, within a fleet of 12, in race three. However, following a heavy collision with Team Extreme Qingdao in the final race, the GAC Pindar shore team is now in over-drive to make overnight repairs and get the team's Extreme 40 back on the water for the final day of racing tomorrow.
The young all-Aussie GAC Pindar crew, racing together for the first time with 22-year-old David Gilmour as skipper, have had their work cut out in Qingdao against a competitive line-up of experienced sailors. However, the team showed signs of improvement today, and hope to be back on the water tomorrow, with the aim of securing more podium finishes.
GAC Pindar's skipper, David Gilmour commented: 'The day started off well, and we were beginning to gain confidence and secure some good results. Unfortunately, we had a collision with Team Extreme Qingdao in the final sprint to the finish line and as a result there is a lot of work to do on the boat overnight. Hopefully we can get the boat back on the water and be back on form competitive tomorrow.'
GAC Pindar ended the day 12th in the standings with 66 points. Alinghi is on the top of the leader-board with 133 points.
Racing resumes tomorrow from 12.00pm local time.
For more information please visit:
GAC Pindar and
Extreme Sailing Series.
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