Emirates TNZ on four wins

by Emirates Team NZ Media on 24 Jun 2006 Emirates Team New Zealand took two more good wins today to remain unbeaten after four races of the final regatta in the 2006 America’s Cup season.

Today NZL 84 beat the Swedish Victory Challenge by 1min 38sec and then Mascalzone Latino by 2min 17sec.

Grant Dalton: 'It was good to tuck away two teams that have shown they can win races in these regattas. Both of them have given us a really hard time in the past, even though we have always won the match races.

'In this regatta where every point counts we can’t afford to take anything for granted.'

'I think we sailed well today; we were more aggressive in the starts and we have learned a lot more about sailing NZL 84 in Valencian conditions. It was a day to get in front, build a comfortable lead and then keep it.'

Dalton said: 'We were reminded today that we are exactly 365 days away from the start of the America’s Cup regatta. But we are focused on a more pressing engagement – the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup challengers’ series which starts on April 18 next year. That’s only 299 days away.'

(The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup goes on to race against the America’s Cup defender. That regatta starts on June 23 2007.)

In today’s first race, the breeze never got above 12 knots from the north-east and swung through 18 degrees. Dean Barker and crew put the pressure on Victory from the gun and then crossed the line three seconds in front.

It was an advantage that built steadily, first on the left of the course and then the right, opening to 36sec at the first mark. On the run, NZL 84 stretched a further 28sec for a delta of 1min 4sec.

NZL 84 sailed a good second beat, opening the margin to 1min 47sec, and with the pressure off gliding downwind to win by 1min 38sec.

The day’s second match was almost a re-run of the first. Mascalzone Latino emerged from the pre-start with a penalty following another aggressive display by Dean Barker and NZL 84 grabbed the lead and extended throughout the leg.

At the first mark, NZL 84 was 50sec ahead, 53sec at the first leeward mark, 1min 48sec after the second beat and 2min 17sec at the finish.

It was a good day for skipper Dean Barker: 'We got what we wanted today - two good starts and getting the penalty on Mascalzone Latino was a bonus. It’s great to get off the line in the lead and knowing the opposition also have a penalty.

'It felt very, very smooth today. We’re happy to have four wins behind us without any gear issues and with the crew sailing very well.'


Tomorrow: Luna Rossa and Areva Challenge.

Today’s sailing crew
Helmsman Dean Barker
Tactician Terry Hutchinson
Navigator Kevin Hall
Strategist Ray Davies
Traveller Adam Beashel
Runner/grind Grant Dalton
Mainsail Trimmer Don Cowie
Main Grinder Chris Ward
Downwind trimmer James Dagg
Upwind trimmer Grant Loretz
Grinder Rob Waddell
Grinder Jono Macbeth
Mast Matt Mason
Runner/pit Tony Rae
Pit Barry McKay
Mid-Bow Richard Meacham
Bow Jeremy Lomas

Today’s results:
Flight 3
USA 87 beat FRA 60 by 1.27
RSA 83 beat GER 73 by 1.35
SUI 75 beat ESP 88 by 55s
NZL 84 beat SWE 63 by 1.38
ITA 77 beat CHN 70 by 1.50
ITA 86 beat ITA 59 by 1.02

Flight 4
SUI 75 beat RSA 63 by 20 sec
FRA 60 beat GER 73 by 1.28
USA 87 beat ESP 88 by 1.12
ITA 86 beat SWE 63 by 1.11
ITA 59 beat CHN 79 by 3.44
NZL 84 beat ITA 77 by 2.17