SuperFoilers: The Eureka Moment for Record Point
by Nick Vindin/SuperFoiler 16 Feb 2018 12:19 PST
17 February 2018
SuperFoiler Grand Prix Gold Coast - February 16, 2018 © Andrea Francolini / SuperFoiler
Record Point has played a starring role on the first day of the SuperFoiler Grand Prix on the Gold Coast with the New Zealand skippered entrant claiming a pair of top-two finishes as lightening threatened to envelop the Queensland race track.
“We felt good, it’s almost the place to be and there were a few solid results out there,” said Record Point's skipper Phil Robertson, “We are gunning for a win here.”
“It was pretty intense but a really good days racing. Every day we go sailing we make big leaps forward, it is just getting better and better for us," said Record Point's Scottish Bowman Neil Hunter.
It was an unforgettable day for Phil Robertson, who celebrated racing in front of his family for only the second time since turning professional by almost claiming a victory for his efforts.
The black and white SuperFoiler nailed the start of race two, claiming the pin end of the course and a healthy buffer at every single mark before she was gobbled up by "Goobs" and company onboard Euroflex.
It was the fastest race in SuperFoiler history, with speeds regularly eclipsing 30 knots from both front runners before the series leader put on the after burners after a Record Point mistake with the finish in sight.
“It looked like their dagger board popped up they sort of let us by, and I am sure that is two that we have won through other people’s mistakes but they will get better and better and we won’t get those ones," recalled Euroflex's skipper and Olympic Gold medallist Nathan Outteridge who continued his crew’s unbeaten run with another clean sweep with three wins after the first day on the Gold Coast.
Earlier In the opening skirmish Pavement continued her trend for ripping starts and enjoyed a clear lead before seconds into the contest she was forced to retire after damaging a board.
“We had a great start, we feel like we had a good plan and were on our way to a good day, so it is disappointed to end in that way but it only fires us up more for tomorrow," said Pavement's skipper who expects his shore crew to deliver them in time for Saturday's three slated races.
Euroflex secured the win in race one ahead of Kleenmaid's Olivia Price. The London Olympic silver medalist with the best result of her SuperFoiler campaign edging out Tech2 for second place.
“We are making improvements as the Grand Prix goes on,” said Price, “It was great to come in second behind Euroflex. Next time I want to finish in front of them though.”
Saturday and Sunday's racing will be livestreamed on www.superfoiler.com