Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series – Double triumph for SAP
by Land Rover Sailing on 4 May 2015
Act three, Qingdao, China - Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series 2015 Land Rover China
Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series – China’s Olympic sailing city lived up to its well-earned reputation for highly changeable and challenging sailing conditions in Act three, as poor visibility and gusty winds tested the skills of even the most experienced sailors on the circuit.
Disappointment at the cancellation of racing on day one due to impenetrable fog was swiftly overtaken by three days of intense and exciting competition witnessed from the shore by crowds of enthusiastic, cheering onlookers.
A dramatic collision during race one between SAP Extreme Sailing Team and Gazprom Team Russia failed to deter the Danish team, skippered by Jes Gram-Hansen and Rasmus Kostner. Despite substantial damage to the boat, the team showed remarkable fortitude and focus as they went on to finish the day in first place. Their shore crew worked solidly for 17 hours to repair the extensive damage to the hull, before the boat was craned back into the water minutes before racing resumed on day three. The Danish team continued to maintain a consistently strong position, achieving five wins and 14 podium finishes in 22 races to secure the top spot on the podium.
Presenting the Land Rover Above and Beyond Award to SAP Extreme Sailing Team, Land Rover’s Global Brand Ambassador, Hannah White, commented: “SAP Extreme Sailing Team is a truly deserving winner of the Above and Beyond Award. After being narrowly beaten to the top spot in Muscat, they entered the fray in Act three with renewed energy and determination. Their focus, tenacity and composure in the face of significant adversity has been truly inspirational and perfectly embodies Land Rover’s Above and Beyond philosophy.”
Co-Skipper, Jes Gram-Hansen commented, “It's been such a journey for us to get here. The milestone of winning a regatta with eyes on the Series prize has been our goal since we launched our partnership with SAP back in 2012. You dream of what it will feel like but I can't describe how happy we all are, the team have worked so hard, and overcoming every obstacle to just keep pushing. It’s great to win the Act and for Land Rover to recognise our mettle and commitment with this award, is yet another win, we're very grateful.”
The eight strong fleet now heads to Cardiff in the UK for Act four of the Extreme Sailing Series.
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