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First Race Disappoints for Alinghi Red Bull Racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup
29 August – 7 October 2024
Alinghi Red Bull Racing BoatOne racing against the Orient Express Racing Team on day 1 of the Louis Vuitton Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
Day 1 of the Louis Vuitton Cup saw a tough start for Alinghi Red Bull Racing, as they lost their opening race to the French Orient Express Racing Team.
The Swiss team has begun their Challenger Selection Series with this opening match and now looks forward to the next race against the Americans.
The race was delayed for 35 minutes due to difficult and unstable conditions. When racing finally commenced, the French team secured an early lead after a strong start on the left side of the course. Despite Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s efforts to narrow the gap, particularly during the downwind, the French team skillfully managed the shifty conditions to secure their first victory of the Round Robin. The next match for the Swiss team is scheduled for tomorrow against NYYC American Magic, with the first race of the day starting at 14:10 CET.
Nicolas Rolaz, Trimmer, explained, “In this breeze, when you fall behind, it’s hard to catch up. The boat needs a lot of adjustments, and we have to keep a close eye out for the best pressure and wind. Our strategy wasn’t ideal today; we believed the right side was strong, but it turned out the left was favored. The competition knows how to read the wind and defend well. While we gained ground downwind, it didn’t suffice. It can be tough, but that’s sailing, and we accept these moments.”
Rolaz added, “This isn’t the first time the team has encountered a setback. Everyone has faced defeat at some point, regardless of their sport. Our focus now shifts to tomorrow, where we will refine the details we missed today.”
Augustin Maillefer, Cyclor, commented, “On challenging days like today, onboard adjustments are constant, as straight lines rarely stay straight due to wind shifts. It felt relentless, and we were always trying to catch up with the French team. In the coming days, everyone will concentrate on their roles, and together, we will showcase our capabilities as a team.”
Juan Vila, Meteorologist / Testing Manager, noted, “The wind conditions were undeniably tricky. From the start, we struggled to keep pace with the French boat and faced tough shifts. Although the left side was favored initially, it seemed to become more open later on. When you’re behind, catching up is challenging, but I believe the team did well to minimize the distance and seized every opportunity to regain ground.”
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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.
