Alinghi Red Bull Racing Begins Preliminary Regatta in Barcelona with Victory
Alinghi Red Bull Racing Triumphs in Preliminary Regatta Barcelona
22-25 August 2024
Alinghi Red Bull Racing began the 37th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta with a notable victory against the French Orient Express Racing Team in the inaugural match race.
The Swiss Challenger displayed a strong performance on Day 1, displaying focus and determination to maintain momentum through the upcoming weeks of competition.
Despite facing a rig failure just two days earlier, Alinghi Red Bull Racing emerged confidently for their first race in the AC75. They secured a strong start, with BoatOne taking the lead and reaching speeds above 45 knots. The team executed a well-managed match race, maintaining clear communication and precise maneuvers that kept the French boat at a distance. Throughout most of the race, the French team trailed by approximately 13 seconds, but Alinghi continued to extend their lead in the final leg, finishing 36 seconds ahead. Tomorrow, the Swiss team will face NYYC American Magic in the first match race of the day.
For more on today’s race results and current standings, click here.
Bryan Mettraux, Trimmer/Controller, shared, “The goal is to treat a day like this as if it’s just another training day. It helps us maintain consistency in our performance. The conditions were beautiful on the water, and we had a competitive match against the French team. We are still working on improving our sailing techniques and understanding the boat’s capabilities. It’s energizing to see everyone who has worked hard to make this possible.”
Théry Schir, Cyclor, added, “Today marked my first competition since racing in Tokyo, and I’m thrilled with our result. This was our first official race and a significant win. It felt incredible to be under the pressure of the starting line again. While we have a long journey ahead, this victory gives us a positive mindset going into tomorrow. We’re excited for what lies ahead!”
Rodney Ardern, Sailing Team Manager, commented, “The team demonstrated clarity in their start and executed their pre-race strategy effectively. They maintained speed and communicated well throughout the race, successfully extending their lead. It’s great to start on a positive note. We still have to face all challengers several more times, so it’s early in the competition, but this gives us a good baseline to gauge our performance. We can identify our mistakes and those of our competitors, so minimizing errors will be key.”
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.