Burling fast but tactically ‘vulnerable’

Oracle admire Team New Zealand’s boat, but not the sailing ability of Peter Burling and his team.

Oracle tactician Andrew Campbell claimed Team New Zealand were tactically vulnerable while conceding the Kiwi boat is “really fast“.

Campbell promised that Oracle would have a “fast boat” and in an apparent effort to start the mind games, he highlighted the psychological advantage Oracle gained with two wins over Team NZ in the initial stage of the regatta in Bermuda.

In a summary which matches many pundits’ view of the America’s Cup final, which starts on Sunday morning (NZ time), Campbell said Team NZ had some “serious strengths” but he was also happy to point out their perceived problem areas.

“They’re going really fast,” Campbell said.

“So we’re going to have to make sure we’re optimised for every condition that we go sailing in, that we get our weather calls and configurations right. We’re going to need to be as fast as we can so we can catch them if we get behind . . . But they’ve also shown that they’re vulnerable in certain positions on the race track in terms of their playbook and their communication. We’re going to make sure we take advantage of those weaknesses.”

On the Oracle website, Campbell also said his team’s one-point head start was vital.

“To have those guys go into the match one win down already is a big big bonus for us. We worked hard for that point,” Campbell said.

“To beat them in both of those races, not only is there a psychological benefit to us, but there is an actual benefit of a win going into the match.

“The focus this week has been on integrating new design elements and updating the pre-start playbook and smoothing out manoeuvres.

“Time will tell when we get out racing, but for sure, we’re going to bring a fast boat out to the race track on Saturday.”