Louis Vuitton Cup- Emirates Team NZ's tally now at eight points

by www.etnzblog.com on 28 Jul 2013
Emirates Team New Zealand completed its solo race against Artemis Racing today to collect another point in the Louis Vuitton Cup round robins.

The team is at the top of the leaderboard on eight points and with two races to go in the round robins, cannot be overtaken.

Today Glenn Ashby took the helm as part of the team rotation and Adam Beashel moved from the bow to trim the wing. Richard Meacham was on the bow. Dean Barker watched proceedings from as chase boat.

The team sailed a shorter course, completing the five legs in just under 31 minutes. Today’s breeze was lighter that previous races, with just over 12 knots at the start and a maximum of 15.7.

Before today, Glenn Ashby hadn’t had much time at the wheel. 'It was good to have a feel of the boat through the different manoeuvres.

He admitted to being a 'bit wobbly' at times as 'I was switching out of my usual role of wing trimmer to helming – sometimes my timing was out a little...

'There were a few laughs and banter on board at my expense.'

'I did get an insight into how I can help Dean mode the boat better to get through the puffs and holes a bit better. I’m sure Dean appreciated seeing the boat from the outside – how it trims and how it behaves.'

Standings

1. Emirates Team New Zealand 8-0 – 8 points (2 races remaining)
2. Luna Rossa Challenge 4-4 – 4 points (2 races remaining)
3. Artemis Racing 0-8 – 0 points (2 races remaining)
Today’s performance data
Emirates Team New Zealand sailed the five-leg America’s Cup course
Course length: 9.64 nautical miles
Elapsed time: 30 minutes, 59 seconds
Total distance sailed: 11.7 nautical miles
Average speed: 22.83 knots (26 mph)
Top speed: 33.8 knots (39 mph) on Leg 4, downwind
Wind speed: average 13.2 knots; peak gust 15.7 knots
The schedule ahead
Sunday, July 28, Emirates Team New Zealand vs. Luna Rossa Challenge
Tuesday, July 30, Artemis Racing vs. Emirates Team New Zealand
Thursday, August 1, Luna Rossa Challenge vs. Artemis Racing