Extreme Sailing Series - SAP Extreme on the podium in Cardiff
by Sarah Branson on 27 Aug 2013
SAP Extreme Sailing Team - Extreme Sailing Series Act 6 Cardiff Lloyd Images
In Act 6 of the Extreme Sailing Series, the atmosphere was electric this afternoon as the eight towering masts of the Extreme 40 fleet made their way out into Cardiff Bay for the very last time, bringing Act 6 to its conclusion. With the top of the table separated by just two points, it was going to be an afternoon for clear thinking, premium boat handling and finesse.
With the breeze due to die off during the second half of the eight races it was clear that the teams would need to dominate from the start. The SAP Extreme Sailing Team started as they meant to finish with a first across the line win in race 1 and continued to drive hard all afternoon in the dying breeze.
Bowman Nicolai Sehested 'We had everything to play for today and we spent a lot of time ahead of racing considering how we could get advantages and watch out for pitfalls. Our boat handling today was exceptional and we were hungry for a podium finish. It was a real battle out there.'
Headsail trimmer Mikkel Røssberg added, 'It was crucial today to get pace over the start and not get buried mid-fleet especially with the lack of wind. During this in Cardiff we have had our strongest performance in the Extreme Sailing Series and although we are gutted about missing out on second place we are all delighted with third place – we are still contenders going into Nice.'
British team member, mainsail trimmer Pete Cumming has been instrumental in working to get the SAP Extreme Sailing Team immersed in the circuit having been recruited early on for his former experience as skipper of the winning Oman Sail’s Masirah.
'Cardiff has been challenging at times but we have been clear and decisive and made some great tactical moves, especially off the start. When the breeze fell away it was agonizing out there but we held our nerve even despite the tricky conditions. '
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