Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik - New Gear Has Arrived

America's Cup- King of the Foredeck becomes God of the GoPro

by Sail-World on 6 Dec 2012
Rob Waddell, James Dagg and Winston Macfarlane, wired with GoPro’s as Emirates Team New Zealand tows out for practice race drills with the team’s first AC72 on the Hauraki Gulf. Chris Cameron/ETNZ http://www.chriscameron.co.nz

One of New Zealand's first, and most outstanding professional sailors, Joey Allen, is now the Emirates Team New Zealand sailing coach. He spends a lot of time in a chase boat, watching the AC72 sail. He also spends a lot of time shooting video.

Known as a demon on crew-work and doing it fast and right, when he ruled the foredeck on many top campaigns, Joe is still more than very interested in performance; boat performance and the crew work that produces it.

Could a tack or a gybe be slicker, smoother, more polished? Are all members of the sailing crew in the right place at the right time? Is everything coming together as it should be?

Joey also has fixed GoPro cameras placed strategically on the AC72, to assist in his chase for perfection. The small lightweight camera which is used to shoot video, was originally designed for extreme sports, and with the advent of waterproof housings and stick-on mounting brackets, the GoPro is ideal for use aboard the AC72 catamarans which will be sailed in the 34th America's Cup.

The crew-coach role is the latest step in Allen's sailing career which started in the Flying Ant and was followed by a solid apprenticeship in 18ft skiffs. Joey was on the foredeck in the 1981-82 Whitbread Race winner Flyer, before moving into America's Cup and many professional offshore campaigns, usually on maxi's and supermaxis, and always on a top boat.

Every sailing moment of every sailing day is videoed on a phalanx of GoPro's on the boat and crew of the AC72. The cameras miss nothing. Joey misses even less.

Back on shore, Joey finds the answers to the questions when he analyses the footage. He reports his findings to the sailing team and his footage is in great demand from the design team.

North Sails Loft 57 PodcastX-Yachts X4.3Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOM

Related Articles

iQFOiL Youth & Junior Europeans 2025 preview
306 of Europe's most talented young sailors gather in North Sardinia The stunning waters of North Sardinia are about to welcome the 2025 European Youth & Junior Championships, hosted by Club Nautico Arzachena.
Posted on 18 Oct
46th Rolex Middle Sea Race underway
Competitors tackle the challenging and scenic 606-nautical mile course The 46th edition of one of sailing's great offshore races commenced earlier today from the Maltese capital Valletta. A revered and historic event, the Rolex Middle Sea Race always welcomes an impressive and diverse international fleet.
Posted on 18 Oct
2025 Freestyle Pro Tour Naxos day 2
Foilstyle delivers and tow-in turns up the drama After a lively opening day and a calm morning at the lagoon, the second day of the Freestyle Pro Tour Naxos once again brought light winds to the Aegean.
Posted on 18 Oct
2025 Aloha Classic Grand Final day 4
Masters shine, juniors crowned, and finals await The 41st Aloha Classic has come to a thrilling close under perfect Ho'okipa conditions. Finals Day delivered powerful surf, strong trades, and a genuine crowd stretched all along the beach park cheering the champions of the Unified World Wave Tour.
Posted on 18 Oct
Preserve Performance with Expert Sail Care
Don't wait until small issues become big ones Your sails work hard every time you head out on the water. Regular service is the key to maintaining their shape, extending their life, and protecting your investment.
Posted on 18 Oct
IM24CA AGM submissions and nominations
World Council will meet on November 22 in Milan, Italy and online The International Melges 24 Class Association - IM24CA World Council will meet on November 22 in Milan, Italy and online to discuss class business, elections, and future championship bids.
Posted on 18 Oct
X-Yachts In-House Boat Show 2025 Preview
More boats on display than ever before this November at the yard in Haderslev, Denmark This November, the X-Yachts yard in Haderslev will host an elevated edition of our In-House Boat Show 2025. With more boats on display than ever before, guided yard tours, charter stands and a chance to meet our global dealer network.
Posted on 18 Oct
Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race overall
Presentation Ceremony held as breeze deprives last two boats As the official presentation ceremony of the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race (S2A) started at 12pm (NZDT), two yachts remain at sea, breeze deprived but rewarded with magical experiences.
Posted on 18 Oct
Bulwarks and Bulldust – Show 4 Season 3
Matt Allen AM on Brisbane 2032, World Sailing, and of course, the 80th Sydney to Hobart Episode Four - In the Captain's Chair this week is Matt Allen AM
Posted on 17 Oct
IFCA Fin & Foil Slalom Europeans day 3
Sunshine and steady breeze - Foil racing back in action The IFCA European Championships Slalom Fin & Foilcontinue in the best possible way in Torbole, hosted by the Circolo Surf Torbole in collaboration with IFCA and under the authority of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV).
Posted on 17 Oct