Red Bull Sailing Team had to dig deep on and off their foiling catamaran to return from a heavy collision with Oman Air and grab fourth in the third Extreme Sailing Series act in Barcelona.
The Austrian outfit got off to a flier in the opening day’s racing to lead before the crash wrecked their victory chances. Here is all you need to know:
– The GC32 boats reached speeds of up to 26.2 knots as Red Bull Sailing Team mastered the brisk winds to get the upper hand with five podiums in six races to lead.
– Unfortunately they collided with Oman Air on Saturday meaning the shore crew had to work through the night to repair the extensive damage and get it back racing.
– Sunday’s changing winds were a huge test with Red Bull Sailing managing three more podiums to just miss out on third behind Denmark’s SAP Extreme Sailing.
– Two-time America’s Cup winners Alinghi claimed the Spanish win with Oman Air placing second, leaving the Swiss team top of the overall rankings after three acts.
– Red Bull Sailing Team skipper Roman Hagara revealed, “For the rest of this season, Hans Peter (tactician Steinacher) and I will put our focus on this crew, as we continue to work to create a pathway into professional sailing for talents all over the world.”
– Extreme Sailing Series makes its debut in Cascais, Portugal next on July 5-8.
– In the Flying Phantom regatta, Spanish pair Jordi Booth and Joan Costa had the locals on their feet with fourth place for defending champions Red Bull Sailing.
Act 3, Barcelona, Spain result:
1. Alinghi (SUI) 278 points
2. Oman Air (OMA) 264 pts
3. SAP Extreme Sailing (DEN) 258 pts
4. Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 254 pts
5. INEOS Rebels UK (GBR) 250 pts
6. Spanish Impulse (ESP) 222 pts
7. Team Mexico (MEX) 183
Overall rankings after three of seven acts:
1. Alinghi (SUI) 33 points
2. SAP Extreme Sailing (DEN) 33 pts
3. Oman Air (OMA) 32 pts
4. INEOS Rebels UK (GBR) 27 pts
5. Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 25 pts
6. Team Mexico (MEX) 20 pts
7. Spanish Impulse (ESP) 7 pts
