Team NZ have lessons to learn
Spectacular races bode well for March Cup start
So what did we learn from the World Series over the past few days? Team New Zealand must push its preparations even further as they set about defending the Auld Mug.
The four days of the World Series/ Christmas Regatta were a resounding success overall. Here are the key points.
Despite the “non-Christmas Race” snorefest due to lack of wind, the images of these amazing flying yachts against the backdrop of Rangitoto Island and the Waitemata Harbour, along with the City of Sails skyline, were spectacular.
These AC75 yachts can and will be raced hard. Any fears of the America’s Cup turning into a boring drag race, with a superior yacht sailing off into the horizon, were allayed (even though this did happen on occasion).
We saw some classic duelling in the pre-starts, with umpires handing out penalties. We witnessed “dial-ups” and “dial downs”, tacking duels, covering and attacks. And we saw something new – “sit-downs” – when these foiling yachts fall off the foils and park.
There are many areas for all of the teams to work on – it will mean no Christmas holidays for them.
The longest list will be for Ineos Team UK.
Their lack of speed and inability to stay on their foils in light winds was rumoured to be an issue before this regatta but it was much worse than I thought it would be.
The sight of the great sailors onboard Britannia stuck on the ocean and unable to do anything to persuade her to lift off was sad to see. They will be so frustrated and beyond any public displays of optimism, they will know in their heart of hearts their chances of success are slim.
Luna Rossa and American Magic will be very encouraged however.
Even though they were beaten by TNZ overall, they found out they are competitive and that TNZ are beatable after Dean Barker and his American Magic team took the defenders down on day one.
They will be doubly motivated to keep pushing forward knowing the Prada Cup winner can snare the cup from TNZ in March.
I bet Team New Zealand wish they had another couple of regattas, to build on the enormous amount they will have learned from this one.
They emerged with a solid, competitive all-around package. They appear to have few weaknesses in terms of their equipment package.
But they made too many mistakes. Decision-making and manoeuvres under pressure are the key items to address.
They have the ability to sort it out but – most concerningly – face a lack of real race practice time from this point on. They need to devise a way to reduce the risk of going into the 36th America’s Cup cold against a challenger who will be battlehardened from the Prada Cup.
That challenger will be race ready and looking to exploit any “rust” in Peter Burling and TNZ.
Perhaps the option of recommissioning their smaller trial boat Te Kahu, as a practice opponent, should be looked at. It’s quick, manoeuverable and only needs a crew of four. This could help them sort problem areas like the pre-start.
Who should skipper this to give Burling and the crew of Te Rehutai the best test?
One of the best foiling sailors and helmsmen in the world is sitting at Cheltenham Beach without a gig.
Aussie Nathan Outteridge would slot in (and out) of TNZ smoothly.
He’s talented, humble and very smart. Does anyone have his number? If so, please forward to G. Dalton, care of Team New Zealand.
● Professor Mark Orams is a former NZ and world champion sailor, Team New Zealand member, author, environmentalist and Professor of Sport and Recreation at the Auckland University of Technology