A-Class Worlds- Nathan Outteridge wins Worlds Practice race
by Heather Forbes on 10 Feb 2014
Nathan Outteridge (AUS) foiling A-class catamaran Nationals and Pre-Worlds, Takapuna February 8, 2014 Richard Gladwell
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America's Cup skipper and Olympic Gold Medalist, Nathan Outteridge put another slant on the form guide for the 2014 A-Class Catamaran Worlds with a convincing win in the practice race sailed off Takapuna Beach, today.
Heather Forbes reports:
One afternoon Practice Race was held today, in preparation for the 2014 Worlds in gloriously sunny picturesque Takapuna, Auckland.
Wind conditions were light side, averaging 8- 10 knots,
In the words of Storm (Ian Johnson, AUS) deputy President of the International A Class Association: 'The weather Gods were kind to us as there was almost no wind 10 minutes before the race!'
Nathan Outteridge (AUS) foiled the most effectively out of the ‘foiled up’ members of Team NZ, resulting in him coming first by about a minute. Blair Tuke (NZ) was second place and Glenn Ashby (AUS) came 3nd, followed by Andrew Landenberger (AUS).
Foils are the ‘secret weapon’ of Team NZ. The guys are getting air down wind but the real question is; ‘How are they going to perform in lighter winds?’
Well we might just find out tomorrow as the forecast is for even lighter winds!
A number of boats were ‘black flagged’ today including Peter Burling, current NZ National Champion, from Team NZ and former A Class World champion Steve Brewin (AUS).
The first race, in the World Championship, are scheduled for noon tomorrow, with two races due to be sailed on the three lap course off Takapuna Beach.
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