AC World Series Newport - Artemis claims Match Racing title

by Artemis Racing on 30 Jun 2012 In the America’s Cup Word Series Newport, the previous day’s qualification for the semi-finals gave Artemis Racing the 2012 Match Racing Championship title. Today’s semi-final race against Oracle Team USA Spithill was a one race, winner take all, to determine who would progress to the finals of the Newport event on Sunday.

From the outset, Skipper Terry Hutchinson (USA) controlled the pre-start. Spithill soon found himself in a difficult situation, which Terry capitalized on. Terry almost had Spithill, but the Australian skipper managed to get clear, which put Artemis in a vulnerable position and OCS, while Oracle Team USA sailed off the start line. From there, the Swedish team fought hard, but there were not many passing lanes. Oracle Team USA Spithill were victorious, but Artemis Racing claimed the Match Racing Championship title based on the cumulative results of the six America’s Cup World Series events.

'We are happy to win the Match Racing Championship of the 2012 AC World Series. The America’s Cup will be Match Racing so that has been our focus,' said Terry Hutchinson, Skipper of Artemis Racing.

The second race of the day was a fleet race with the eight teams lining up in 12-15 knots of wind out of the Southeast. Artemis had a good start and quickly was in fourth, before moving up one place to finish third which puts the team in second place overall in the fleet racing.

'This is a great area to sail, with quite an open course that is tactically challenging,' said trimmer Thierry Fouchier (FRA). 'Looking ahead to tomorrow, we’ll be focusing on our goals especially communications. I know there are lot of expectations for Sunday.'

Racing continues tomorrow with the Speed Trials, followed by two fleet races.

America’s Cup website
Artemis Racing website