Extreme Sailing Series: Action-packed start to Act 5

Breezy and gusty conditions on Cardiff Bay ensured that the opening day of Act 5 of the Extreme Sailing Series in Cardiff, Wales delivered an action-packed day for the nine Extreme 40s. Austria’s Red Bull Sailing Team blasted round the tight courses, reaching speeds of 29mph (25.4 knots) relishing the conditions that put Roman Hagara’s men at the top of the rankings at the end of day one. “This was racing on the edge up to 25 knots of wind but we never lost control of the boat. It’s nice to be in first place but there are still three days to go. We have to focus and to concentrate and we can win,” said Hagara.

For local entry, Team Wales, skippered by young Welsh talent Dave Evans and with Team GB 470 Olympic silver medallist Hannah Mills calling tactics, the day ended in drama when the 62ft mast came crashing down. A component failure in the rig caused the mast to fall but it remained intact and the team expects to be back on the water tomorrow – after what is sure to be a long night for their shore team.

Today was about supreme boat handling and minimizing mistakes and both Oman Air and GAC Pindar in the main did just that to end the day in second and third respectively. “It was a wild day, things happened quick and it was some of the tightest courses and some of the strongest wind we’ve had and that made it pretty exciting,” said US skipper Morgan Larson. “It was kind of hectic, there were tight corners, it was gusty, shifty, and basically we’re happy to have got through that day without any damage. The racing today was tactical, but boat handling was really the key today, that is really what got us through, sharp boat handling by all the guys.”

Eight short and sharp races were staged today, that saw the nine-boat Extreme 40 fleet power reach off the start, flying to the top mark. As always the start was key and The Wave Muscat skipper, Britain’s Leigh McMillan will be kicking himself for his false starts today. But the Omani team may be down but they are certainly not out as they are determined to make Act 5 their fourth straight win: “We’ve had lots of bad days and always bounced back. Sometimes you need a back day to sort yourself out,” said McMillan. “We’re going to make sure we’re on top again, particularly after today. It makes me more determined to come back and try to get back to the top.”

Extreme Sailing Series 2012 Act 5, Cardiff, Wales, UK standings after Day 1, 8 races (30.8.12)
Position / Points