Andoo Team Australia finish in top three in first qualifying race day
Words courtesy of Andoo Team Australia
In a day of literal ups and downs Australia survived and shone to achieve a crucial third place on the overall rankings of the six B Group teams after 4 races in varying conditions on their first day of the Puig Women’s America’s Cup racing for the invited teams.
From solid starts and plenty of leading the fleet to falling off the foils during manoeuvres on course that cost them dearly, the Andoo Team Australia women showed their determination and sailing skills to stay highly competitive.
Tight racing for the top three spots, Andoo Team Australia stay in contention Day 1 of Group B. Credit Ian Roman for America's Cup
The results set up a strong base to build on tomorrow, with four more races before determining the semi-finalists. Race management have brought forward the Group B second day of qualifying races due to weather forecasts later in the week - so the team will go out back to back racing on Monday.
Several teams showed strong performances putting the Dutch, Spanish and Swedish all in the top tier mix.
Trimmer Lisa Darmanin reflected on the first race day out about how every team had really lifted into race mode. "That last race really showed that one manoeuvre, every metre, is going to count to the very end.The level is really high and its some of the best racing that I have ever done," said the Olympic silver medallist.
Skipper Olivia Price and fellow silver medallist described the level of sailing as world class. "You have got to fight for every point and that is what is was like out there today. Tomorrow we get to have another 40 (points) on the racecourse so it's about learning from today and putting the practice into tomorrow."
WAR ON THE SHORE
The 'War on the Shore' among the supporters of the invited teams hit some noisy new heights as race organisers allowed fan crowds onto the dock for the dock offs of the six racing teams.
Viking helmet clad Swedes, rowdy local flag waving Catalans and Aussies brandishing Boxing Kangaroos, and a giant flag competed in friendly rivalry to cheer on their team the loudest with the Aussies claiming the win!
HISTORIC MOMENT AS 12 WOMEN'S TEAMS PRESENTED
And Aussie fans were just as vocal at the Race Village Main Stage Presentation of all 12 Women’s Teams on Saturday night in Barcelona.
The occasion was an emotional exhibition of female achievement to mark the historic staging of the first Puig Women’s America’s Cup and all the teams and supporters joined the celebration to share the ambition of almost 80 female sailors represented in the competition, including 17 Olympic medallists and a haul of 58 World Championship wins amongst the athlete competitors.
