Ashby joins French in role as adviser
After three campaigns with Team New Zealand, Glenn Ashby is back on the America’s Cup scene in new colours.
Having sailed to glory in the world’s oldest international sporting event in its past two editions, Ashby has joined French challenger Orient Express Racing Team as an adviser.
It’s a smart move by the French. Ashby was a core member of the Team New Zealand crew that won the Auld Mug in Auckland in 2021 in the debut of the AC75 class.
Less than six months out from the regatta in Barcelona, the French are the only team yet to sail an AC75.
Four of the teams competed in the Auckland regatta, while fellow newcomers Alinghi Red Bull Racing bought Team New Zealand’s firstedition AC75 early in this campaign.
“I haven’t been involved in the America’s Cup or with a team really since the last race of the last America’s Cup,” Ashby said. “I’ve been living back in Australia and doing other projects with things that have wheels, so it’s been nice to get back on the water again. It’s a real pleasure to be here.
“My role is very much a helicopter view from the outside looking inside the team; spending time with the sailing team, working with them and helping them learn a little bit about the AC75 and spend a little bit of time with the LEQ [AC40 training boat] talking about the physics and the availability of how the boats work on what they’re likely to experience as they move forward.
“There are other departments — design and management — you can be involved with as well, so it’s really a global overview of the campaign.”
After helping Team New Zealand defend the America’s Cup on home waters, Ashby moved into innovation and spearheaded Team New Zealand’s successful attempt at breaking the world land-speed record, driving their purpose-built land yacht Horonuku to a top speed of 225.58km/h.
He has been around the America’s Cup scene, though, joining the commentary team for the preliminary regattas in Vilanova i la Geltru and Jeddah late last year.
His addition is the latest link between the French syndicate and Team New Zealand. Late to have their entry in the challenger series confirmed, the French bought an AC75 design package from the defenders.
That is expected to have the French in a competitive package when AC75 racing begins, with the full-scale boats set to be deployed for racing proper in the final preliminary regatta in Barcelona in August.
But while the boat is being finished, the French — who also feature Kiwi Jason Saunders in their core sailing group — have been making the most of their time in Barcelona on their LEQ12 and Ashby said he liked what he had seen in the team.
“First impression of the team here is they’re all very enthusiastic and excited to move forward into the AC75, which is fantastic.”