Orient Express Racing Team Concludes Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta: Key Highlights and Insights
Orient Express Racing Team has wrapped up their participation in the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta, showcasing their determination and growth ahead of the main event. The team faced stiff competition against the British INEOS Britannia, battling through challenging conditions with variable wind patterns across the racecourse.
Starting strong, the French challengers took an early lead when the British team had to return to the starting line after crossing too soon. However, during a downwind gybe, Orient Express Racing Team encountered a light wind spot, allowing INEOS Britannia to surge ahead and maintain their lead until the race, which was shortened, came to an end.
The Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta was a crucial learning experience for Orient Express Racing Team, especially in getting accustomed to the high-tech AC75 yacht, given their relative inexperience. Despite technical setbacks in two of their five races—one involving their own yacht and another due to steering issues with NYYC American Magic—the team gained valuable insights and racing experience against formidable opponents.
As they reflected on their performance, skipper and pilot Quentin Delapierre acknowledged the need for improvement but expressed confidence in their growing understanding of pre-start procedures and race beginnings. Co-pilot Kevin Peponnet echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of finding favorable wind conditions and admitting to a few early race mistakes they aim to correct in future training sessions.
The race crew, which included trimmers Jason Saunders and Matthieu Vandamme, along with the powerhouse cyclor squad, fought hard through the competition. Ultimately, Orient Express Racing Team concluded the regatta tied at the bottom of the table with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, both teams finishing with one point. The overall victors were Emirates Team New Zealand, who triumphed over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the finals, followed closely by NYYC American Magic and INEOS Britannia.
CEO Stephan Kandler shared the team’s perspective on the regatta, highlighting the competitive atmosphere and the opportunities for improvement that lie ahead. Expressing gratitude to fans and guests who visited their base, Kandler reassured that the team is prepared to ramp up for the upcoming Louis Vuitton Cup, which starts on Thursday, 29 August. Orient Express Racing Team will face off against Alinghi Red Bull Racing in their very first match of the Round Robin stage.
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Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.