Dean's Diary- No room for error on Day 2 of the America's Cup WS

Emirates Team New Zeraland, Race 2 of Day 2 of the America’s Cup World Series, San Francisco. Chris Cameron/ETNZ http://www.chriscameron.co.nz

Dean Barker, Emirates Team NZ skipper © ACEA - Photo Gilles Martin-Raget http://photo.americascup.com/

Good day ..... almost!

Yesterday we had a long day and what was nearly a good solid day.

We had our quarterfinal match race at midday against the French Energy Team. We had a good start and led around mark 1.

However in the first gybe we got rolled and trailed around the bottom gate. We kept things tight and crossed ahead at the first intersection upwind and extended for a good win to advance to the semifinal tomorrow.

We then had to go back out on the water at 5pm for the two fleet races. In race one we started well and were in a good position at Mark 1. We sailed a good run and upwind to slip into second position which we held until the finish.

Race 2 was not so good unfortunately. We got a penalty right before the start for not keeping clear of Korea and found ourselves back in last place at Mark 1. We managed to pick off three boats around the course to get an eighth which was a disappointing end to what was otherwise a good day. You just cannot afford to give away any ground in this style of racing and to concede a penalty at the start makes the chance of having a good race very difficult. We are much happier with our speed and feel we have a much better understanding of the venue than when we were here last time.

Today we have two more fleet races so looking for two good solid results. Semis and finals for the match race are tomorrow.

All for now

Dean

To read earlier editions of Dean Barker's blog http://www.kiwiyachting.co.nz/dean-barkers-blog!click_here