The first match race training sessions have begun on the 37th America’s Cup race course as Alinghi Red Bull Racing launches its two-boat training programme with the AC40s in Barcelona just a few months before the first pre-regatta.
The Swiss challenger for the America’s Cup kicked-off its match racing training in Barcelona today on the 37th America’s Cup race course just a few days after christening its second AC40 one design. The team is the first to match race in Barcelona, gaining precious hours on the water and taking an important step towards the first pre-regatta in September which will be contested on board the AC40.
“The match race training that we have been doing for months on the simulator, we can finally apply to the water,” said helmsman Maxime Bachelin. “There will be a lot more pressure in the manoeuvres than when we’re sailing alone.”
With two AC40s on the water all members of the Driving Group will be able to sail at the same time which is extra motivation for the sailors. “It won’t matter which crew members I’m on board with, the aim will always be to sail better than the other boat,” added Bryan Mettraux, trimmer.
To help them maximise progress during this important next step on the pathway to the America’s Cup the crew will be able to count on the expertise of Sailing Team Advisors Pietro Sibello and Dean Barker, who have recently been joined by Phil Robertson and Jason Waterhouse.
“Our first day with the two AC40s on the water was a great success,” said trimmer Yves Detrey. “The dynamic of training with two boats will enable us to build more consistency within the crew and we will be able to train for the specific situations that we’ll encounter on the water this autumn during the pre-regattas.”
While the two AC40s are excellent training platforms ahead of the regattas, Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s focus remains on the AC75 and the testing that will progress the race boat. Meanwhile in Switzerland, the crew of the Alinghi Red Bull Racing TF35 are actively preparing for the Bol d’Or Mirabaud which starts on Saturday. The Société Nautique de Genève’s flagship event will see 330 boats at the start at 10:00.
