Extreme Sailing Series - J.P. Morgan BAR on the march in Istanbul

by Sarah Alexander on 14 Sep 2014 Day three of the Extreme Sailing Series in Istanbul and J.P. Morgan BAR enjoyed some of the best sailing conditions the 2014 Series has delivered so far, at an Act where some of the hardest work has been forced upon them.

The long day on the water started with the 12 strong fleet blasting down the Bosphorus strait, one of the busiest shipping channels in the world and famed for its spectacular backdrop, made even more impressive with the elite Extreme 40 teams.

Unfortunately, the Bosphorus spirit was not with the team, wind traps tricked the unlucky and J.P. MorganBAR struggled to pick up the breeze. However, the afternoon presented another story and the Brits went on to score some good points across the eight races, securing two race wins – finishing the day with a victory – to elevate them up the overall leaderboard into seventh, with 110 points.

Team Trimmer, Nick Hutton, commented on the racing, 'We are really enjoying the racing here in Istanbul. Everyday we have had good conditions with a nice breeze, a bit gusty at times, but we are starting to read it now, paired with the flat water and open racetrack it makes for some of the best sailing we have had.'

A consistent 16 knots offered an eclectic mix of demands, requiring an outstanding level of boat control, and the team used the conditions to take advantage of the overtaking openings.

Hutton continued, 'These conditions also suit the boats more, it means they can really get going and we can stretch the legs of it instead of just accelerate, tack, gybe then doing it all again. We are pleased with our boat handling and form today and it’s all to play for tomorrow.'

J.P. Morgan BAR’s fifth man, Bleddyn Mon, summarised the days racing, 'It was a long day, but we felt that we raced well this afternoon and there’s no doubt that we are pleased with our two wins. To finish with such a strong lead and a race win was a real high.

'It wasn’t a faultless day, we had a few incidents that slowed us down a little bit but, on the whole we were sailing well and up there in most races.'

The team now head into the final day with a European battle on their hands, just two points separate them from Austria’s Red Bull Sailing Team and France’s Groupama sailing team.

Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 6 Istanbul standings after Day Three, 24 races (13.09.14)

Position / Team / Points

1st The Wave, Muscat (OMA) 149 points.
2nd Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) 147 points.
3rd Oman Air (OMA) 133 points.
4th Alinghi (SUI) 130 points.
5th Groupama sailing team (FRA) 112 points.
6th Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 112 points.
7th J.P. Morgan BAR (GBR) 110 points.
8th SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) 105 points.
9th GAC Pindar (AUS) 101 points.
10th Realteam by Realstone (SUI) 100 points.
11th Gazprom Team Russia (RUS) 89 points.
12th TeamTurx (TUR) 72 points.

The final day’s racing will be streamed live from 15:30 local time (13:30 GMT), with commentary, on JP Morgan BAR blog.