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Valencia, November 12, 2008
Britain's Team Origin started off their first America's Cup Class (ACC) racing with a win over three top teams, Luna Rossa and Desafío Español, both Louis Vuitton Cup semi-finalists in 2007, and Alinghi, the winning defender. The British sailors couldn't help but be pleased to break into ACC racing with a win. "It was great for us," Ben Ainslie, Team Origin Skipper/Helmsman, said. "It's a real boost for the team, our first ever race together." Still, the upstart Brits are not letting that first race win go to their heads. Ainslie puts it in perspective: "Let's be honest, you know, it was very light conditions and we had a good start. The guys did a fantastic job of calling the correct side of the course which got us into the lead and then from then on it was the kind of race where the rich get richer." But Ainslie also recognizes that regardless of conditions, starting with a win is a good sign. Nearly as valuable for Team Origin in the regatta was the chance to measure up against established teams. "This is the first time we've been on the water as a team," said Ainslie. "So we're pretty happy with the way we're sailing and the crew work's been fantastic, and we've got just a few little things to iron out." Sailing ESP-88, the ACC yacht loaned to them by Desafío Español, required some adaptation. Ainslie said "My main experience is with the Team New Zealand boats last time. This boat is very different, it's a very different layout, it's a different feel to the boat, but it's not bad, we're really impressed." He acknowledges that there is plenty of progress to be made, but remarks that "the fact that in three days we're getting this boat round the track as well as any of the other teams is a credit to everyone here." Having seen the America's Cup Defender up close, and even having beat her, have they identified an Achilles Heel, a vulnerability they can use to beat Alinghi in the future? "No," Ainslie said with a laugh when asked. "No, I think that boat is an amazing boat, it's a real credit to their design team, and their sailing team -- they are sailing so well also. It's a very good all around package and right now they're where they are supposed to be. But that's the past Cup and we'll see what happens in the future." Team Origin also got a demonstration of Desafío's downwind prowess on Day 2, with Paul Cayard's boat running them down on the final leeward leg. "They were closing in on us and seemed to have a bit of pace on us, slowly reeling us in," said Ainslie. "So we had to do something. Unfortunately for them they got a nick in their kite but that didn't help us either." Team Origin entered into a fierce gybing duel with Desafío Español and managed to keep their lead to the finish. Letting third place slip away though a blown kite halyard on the last leg of the final race Day 3 was another frustrating sequence for the Origin crew, but Mike Sanderson, Team Director, recognizes that this is a time to learn. "Those things are going to happen and it's always good to have a little practice at something tough as well," he said. Sanderson felt the chance to get out in ACC yachts and sail against live competition ultimately was very valuable. "To get four really good teams out there, although there are only four boats, the racing's still pretty close. And for us, we're a new team, obviously, so it's a great opportunity to get some time on the water and develop and improve our team skills." Desafío's help in prepping ESP-88 and getting Origin up to speed with her prompts praise from Sanderson. "We owe the Spanish a lot for giving us this opportunity and we're really thankful for it," he said. Running with the big dogs did a lot to demonstrate that Team Origin's sailing crew works smoothly, and the experience was productive. "The mood onboard was always excellent; there was never a raised voice. I thought we really got the most out of it. I thought it was really really positive," said Ainslie. Team Origin is composed of many talented sailors who have had great success individually -- Olympic Gold Medals, World Championships, and in Ainslie's case, being named Rolex World Sailor of the Year just this week -- but a history of individual success is not always a sound foundation for a coherent America's Cup team. Ainslie points out that the positive chemistry of the crew was not left to chance: "We were able to pick the team. Rather than having good people thrown together, we were able to pick the team, so we had a pretty good idea that everyone would get on and gel and work well together, and that seems to be the case. So far there's a really good team spirit on board and we're realistic about where we want to get to, what our objectives are, so it's a very good start for us." The team is excited to continue climbing the learning curve, and looks forward to the serious head-to-head opportunities coming early next year at the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in Auckland. "That's going to be great," Ainslie said. "It's going to be interesting because there are so many teams -- it's like having a match racing tour event, but with Cup boats. "It will be interesting. Hopefully the boats hold together and stay in one piece," Ainslie said, laughing at his last comment. He admitted that getting out on the water in Valencia, even for just three days, was refreshing on another level, too. "It's just nice to see these boats racing again after everything that's been going on."
--- Reporting by John
Crisp Links of Interest: Race Report: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Curtain Raiser: The Beast Awakens in Valencia ©2008 CupInfo |
