Andoo Team Australia Ready for UniCredit Youth America’s Cup Regatta
by Andoo Team Australia 16 Sep 09:36 PDT
The Andoo Team Australia’s campaign for the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup launches this week as six invited nations begin their competition in Barcelona, with Australia proudly representing on the America’s Cup global stage.
Led by Skipper Cole Tapper, the Andoo Australia squad is showing great form, having completed two successful practice days, achieving two noteworthy wins on the first race day and yet another victory today in the sole practice race, putting them in strong competition ahead of their regatta starting on September 18.
Following extensive simulator training in Sydney and a limited amount of time in the actual high-speed foiling AC40 yachts in Barcelona, the sailors are eager to kick off competition, which includes six fleet races in their group for the qualification series.
On Wednesday, September 18, Tapper will co-captain the four-person crew alongside Jack Ferguson at starboard helm, with Max Paul and Tom Needham trimming. The youth squad will provide additional support, comprising Annie Wilmot, George Richardson, and Miles Davey.
While Tapper acknowledged the AC40 is complex, he stated that the Australian team’s preparation over the last year and the “vertical learning curve” of being on the water in the actual boats have equipped them well.
During a media conference for the UniCredit Youth Competition on the morning of August 16, Tapper shared insights regarding the team’s preparations.
“We have invested considerable time in the simulator, and we’ve identified how to address imbalances in the boat. With these vessels, you’re dependent on two points in the water, and everything has to align for a feeling of being locked in, which is certainly something we’ve experienced on the sim—troubleshooting those issues.
“However, nothing compares to the sensation of actually flying above the waves, feeling the 80 km/h wind on your face and the spray,” he explained.
Describing his live AC40 training experience, Tapper noted, “On my first bear away, we lifted off and encountered some typical Barcelona sea conditions, which I didn’t find pleasant. I leaned out of the cockpit and saw a long way down to the water!”
Andoo Team Australia CEO Peter Wrigley expressed pride in the team representing Australia at the world’s premier sailing event and one of the greatest sports events globally.
“It is through the support and commitment of many that we stand at the starting line in Barcelona. Our team is well-prepared for the global competition, and I’m confident they will represent themselves and Australia with honor,” he said.
The team has benefited from considerable mentorship from Patrons John Bertrand AO, who led Australia to a Cup victory in 1983, and current sailing champion John Winning, who holds multiple records.
The invited nations in Group B, including Australia, Spain, The Netherlands, Canada, Germany, and Sweden, will participate in eight qualifying races on alternate days from Group A competitors, consisting of New Zealand, Great Britain, the USA, Italy, Switzerland, and France, who begin their competition on September 17.
The top three teams from each group will advance to a final series featuring four fleet races commencing on September 22, culminating in a winner-takes-all Match Race final on September 26.
Following this, the Puig Women’s America’s Cup will take place after a training program with racing commencing on October 5.
