Extreme Sailing Series - The fight is on for J.P. Morgan BAR

by Sarah Alexander on 22 Feb 2014 After yesterday’s exciting Extreme Sailing Series opener, Marina Bay offered even trickier conditions on day two for J.P. Morgan BAR and their 11 elite competitors. Singapore's built up bay left it difficult to judge the wind and the team were tested in seven inconsistent races, gusty shifts and patchy conditions.

The British team showed their strength at times and were focused; with one of the main challenges to simply avoid the carnage and close racing at the Leeward mark - seeing the tacticians put to the test to avoid crashes and potential collisions.

'Overall it’s been a good day for us, but it’s pretty tricky and really whacky, it’s very full on! We made a few mistakes but we are generally pleased with our performance. At one point we got sailed around - so that was a bit unfortunate but that’s just the way it goes out there!

Some shifts you could read and some you really get dumped in so you are not too sure what to expect. But straight from the start it’s never over until the end, you just have to take the knocks and get back into it.' Commented Pippa Wilson, who is one of the five female sailors, that also includes her 2008 Olympic gold medallist team mate, Sarah Ayton, racing on-board this week.

Despite the challenging conditions Ben Ainslie and BAR raced well and the team finish the day in sixth place overall just one point behind Realstone and Groupama Sailing Team.

Reflecting on the day he commented: 'Another difficult day for us, lots of ups and downs – we sailed some good races but also had a couple of issues in one or two races. It is very tricky sailing out there.

Overall it’s a good day though, we learnt so much and will continuing learning all the time. Singapore is great for this stadium style of racing, it’s pretty tough for the competitors but the spectators really enjoy the action on the racecourse, and there was plenty of action. The racing today made for a really good show.'

Racing continues from 14.30 local time on Saturday 22nd February.

Overall results after day two
1. Alinghi, 111 points
2. Emirates Team New Zealand, 90
3. The Wave, Muscat, 84 points
4. Groupama Sailing Team, 81 points
5. Realstone, 81 points
6. J.P. Morgan BAR, 80 points
7. SAP Extreme Sailing Team, 73 points
8. Red Bull Racing Team, 71 points
9. Oman Air, 61 points
10. Gazprom Team Russia, 56 points
11. GAC Pindar, 32 points
12. Team Aberdeen Singapore (SIN), 17 points

Full J.P. Morgan BAR crew list
Skipper/ Helmsman – Sir Ben Ainslie
Mainsail Trimmer/ Tactician – Paul Goodison
Bowman – Matt Cornwall
Trimmer – Nick Hutton
Trimmer – Pippa JP Morgan BAR Website