2016 Extreme Sailing Series - Norauto finishes second in Lisbon

by Norauto on 10 Oct 2016 Norauto powered by Groupama Team France finishes second in Lisbon guest racing on the Extreme Sailing Series™.

It is not because you are invited to race that you must beat your hosts, but quite the opposite! The competition level on Act 7 of the Extreme Sailing Series was extremely high and the spectacle electric. The Atlantic breeze rushing in up the Tagus River powered up, the already impressively fit, athletes. Norauto, second after 23 races, finished just ten points behind Swiss winners Alinghi. The French team, despite finishing a close second, fought hard to defend their “silver medal”.

Oman Air came into their own on Saturday and on the final day of racing, threatening the ranking, which Norauto was eventually able to hold (following two wins on the final day). The Omani team, currently leading the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series overall ended up fourth in Lisbon with Red Bull Sailing Team sneaking into third. Adam Minoprio and the united team made up of Thierry Douillard, Nicolas Heintz, Julien Thibault and Matthew Vandame, relied on their strong teamwork for the short “stadium” courses, so unique to the Extremes.

Norauto is set to race again from next Thursday in Marseille (13-16 October) with Groupama Team France. Franck Cammas will be helming on the final stage of the GC32 Racing Tour (the other circuit that is raced on these boats) where the season championship title is at stake.

Adam Minoprio, skipper: 'Today, after the first two races, Oman Air had caught up on us (four points overall) but we then won the next two races and managed to do some good manoeuvers and handle the win on the later half of the day. We finished the event well. For the crew, it was great to face these competitive teams on the Extreme Sailing Series. The last time I raced on this circuit, I was on the other end of the results board. On these courses you are continually changing tacks and doing a manoeuvre; it is a very different game to the 'Racing Tour' and I am pleased that we have raced so well. I want to thank the organisation of the Extreme Sailing Series and all the volunteers here in Lisbon. We really felt very welcome, it was a great event!”

Thierry Douillard, tactician: 'There are more intense moments and boat on boat racing on these short courses. We adapted well and we also had our 'new' - Thibaut Julien - on board who really found has found his feet. We responded even though we missed some things which prevented us beating Alinghi. They were more regular and that's the game. It is a good result so this is very positive.'

Julien Thibault, mainsail, the youngest of the board - 21 years old - first time racing in GC32: 'It was a great opportunity for me to participate on and event like this, particularly great training, as I prepare over the coming months for the Red Bull Youth America's Cup next year (Bermuda). The results are a bonus and a further reason to be pleased.”

Matthieu Vandamme, trimmer: 'It was really great. The location is superb. We did what we like to do in a beautiful setting, a great atmosphere ashore and it worked well on the water with a good result in the end.

Nicolas Heintz, bowman: 'I think we were expected in this event and finished just 10 points behind the winner. This shows that we are up there and that the team is racing well.

Invited by Norauto Portugal, Benfica Club football players Bruno Basto and Paulo Madeira, came to meet and support the sailors. Each player was able to sail on board the GC32 Norauto. 'I really want to thank Norauto for providing the chance of this totally great and new experience. I was particularly impressed with the teamwork on board. Like on a football pitch, you really feel that everyone working as a team to win and it is beautiful to see, 'commented Bruno Basto.

Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 7, Lisboa, Portugal - 23 races:

1 - Alinghi (SUI) - Arnaud Psarofaghis (SUI) - 252 points
2 - NORAUTO (FRA) - Adam Minoprio (NZL) - 242 points
3 - Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) - Roman Hagara (AUT) - 223 points
4 - Oman Air (OMA) - Morgan Larson (USA) - 212 points
5 - SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) - Jes Gram-Hansen (DEN) -192 points
6 - Land Rover BAR Academy (GBR) - Neil Hunter (GBR) - 175 points
7 - Vega Racing (USA) - Brad Funk (USA) - 155 points
8 - Sail Portugal – Visit Madeira (POR) - Diogo Cayolla (POR) - 153 points
9 - Thalassa Magenta Racing (CAN) - Sharon Ferris-Choat (NZL/CAN) - 130 points