Extreme Sailing Series- Emirates Team NZ mid-fleet after Day 1 at Oman

by ETNZblog.com on 20 Mar 2014 A very competitive fleet, an unpredictable breeze and tight racing combined to produce five winners in seven races on the first day of the Extreme Sailing Series at Muscat, Oman.

The leader board at the end of the day is predictably tight. Only eight points separate the top six boats in the fleet of 11.

Skipper Dean Barker: 'It’s always good to get the first day behind us….. to get the measure of the opposition, and settle down.

'Everyone had an up and down day in the conditions and it will only get tougher as we move closer inshore for three days of stadium racing on even tighter courses.

'We are happy with the boat – the speed feels good – and finishing the day only five points off the lead against these experienced Extreme 40 teams sets us up a potentially good regatta.'

Sailing with Barker at Oman are Jeremy Lomas (pit), James Dagg (trimming). Glen Ashby traveller and mainsheet and Edwin Delaat (bow).

Extreme Sailing Series™ 2014

Muscat standings after Day 1, 7 races
1st SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) 48 points.
2nd Alinghi (SUI) 45 points.
3rd Groupama sailing team (FRA) 45 points.
4th The Wave, Muscat (OMA) 44 points.
5th Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) 43 points.
6th Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 41 points.
7th Oman Air (OMA) 33 points.
8th J.P. Morgan BAR (GBR) 32 points.
9th Gazprom Team Russia (RUS) 25 points.
10th Realteam (SUI) 22 points.
11th GAC Pindar (AUS) 16 points.

- See more at: http://etnzblog.com/#!2014/03/muscut-racing-tricky-and-tight-at-the-top