Extreme Sailing Series, Act 4 - J.P. Morgan BAR plays the waiting game

by Sarah Alexander on 28 Jun 2014 Day two of Extreme Sailing Series, Act 4 and the Extreme 40 fleet struggled to find a rhythm in the light, taxing conditions. Just two races were completed on the Neva River, as the wind played a game of stop – start in the iconic city.

Despite their disappointment at the lack of races, J.P. Morgan BAR used the day wisely and played the waiting game. Taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them, the British team delivered small gains, doing enough to win their first race of the event and finish sixth in the other race of the day.

Tactician, Paul Goodison commented, 'It felt like a longer day than two races, but we actually sailed well today and did a reasonable job of ticking the boats off to climb up through the fleet.

We head into day three in fifth place overall, with 35 points, so we are going in the right direction and are in a good place for the second half of the event.'

Bowman Matt Cornwell continued, 'It wasn’t ideal racing conditions today, we actually started a few races that had to be abandoned which made it a little frustrating for everyone really.

'But, fortunately we got two races in and they were good ones for us so it was a positive day. We are getting a real feel for the place now and are feeling pretty happy with our tactics and speed here.'

Skipper, Ben Ainslie summarised the event so far, 'It’s a tricky place to sail, like they all are in this series. But, it’s beautiful and it’s very special to be racing on the Neva River – a pretty unique experience for all of us.

'The racing has been a real challenge but we are going ok so far. Hopefully we will keep moving forward and improving in the final two days.'

For all the latest J.P. Morgan BAR news and updates from Act 4 in Russia follow on Twitter @JPMorganBAR. Watch the extreme racing live from: 1200-1330 GMT / 1400-1530 CET / 1600-1730 Local Time St Petes on JP Morgan BAR blog.

Full J.P. Morgan BAR Act 4, Saint Petersburg crew list

Skipper – Ben Ainslie
Tactician – Paul Goodison
Bowman – Matt Cornwell
Trimmer – Nick Hutton
Trimmer – Phil Sparks

Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 4, Saint Petersburg presented by Land Rover standings after day two, six races (27.06.14)

1st The Wave, Muscat (OMA) 46 points.
2nd Alinghi (SUI) 43 points.
3rd Realteam by Realstone (SUI) 40 points.
4th Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) 40 points.
5th J.P. Morgan BAR (GBR) 35 points.
6th SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) 31 points.
7th Groupama sailing team (FRA) 27 points.
8th GAC Pindar (AUS) 22 points.
9th Oman Air (OMA) 21 points.
10th Gazprom Team Russia (RUS) 17 points.
11th Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 12 points.
12th RussianFirst (RUS) 5 points.