Cup boats back on the race course and Volvo Leg 4 claims its first victim. Matthew Sheahan, Guy Swindells and Amanda Blackeley report
It might not be the America’s Cup proper, but in a break from news about court cases and boardroom squabbles, ten teams take to the water In Auckland for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Cup in week’s time for a fortnight of match racing. Among the teams entered is Sir Keith Mills’ Team Origin. Matthew Sheahan caught up with Sir Keith as well as Alinghi top brass, Brad Butterworth and Grant Simmer to find out what lies in store.
In the Volvo Ocean Race the leg that all the teams feared has claimed its first victim as Green Dragon loses her forestay. Guy Swindells talks to Green Dragon’s skipper, Ian Walker shortly after the forestay broke and Telefonica Blue skipper Bouwe Bekking about ‘heading into hell’ as the forecast of 40knots on the nose comes closer to a reality.
In addition we hear from David Endeen aboard Ericsson 4 as they occupy a rare slot for them at the back of the fleet and from Delta Lloyd’s bowman Gerd-Jan Poortman about the changes that have seen the team up its game.
Video as the forestay breaks on Green Dragon
Shoretalk Pacific Cup and Leg 4 VOR
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