On the edge

Energy Team flying

Posted on 21 July 2011

Loick Peyron's Energy Team took to the water in its AC45 today, training for the first time ahead of the America's Cup World Series - Cascais.

It was a windy day for a first sail for Energy Team, but that's nothing new - most afternoons the wind is pushing well over 20 knots at the training base, making for a baptism by fire as one by one the teams take delivery of their AC45s and head out for first training sails.

But the Energy Team crew appeared to be comfortable immediately, no surprise given the collective experience the crew brings to the project.

The first day of sailing on Thursday was a two-stage process. in the morning, the shore crew assembled the giant wing sail, attaching it to the platform and lifting both into the water. Then the first test sail on flat water, but with gusty conditions. Later in the afternoon, a second sailing session, pushing the boat and the crew harder in stronger conditions.

"We were able to do everything today and I think we can be proud because handling these wing sails for the first time is not always easy," said skipper Loïck Peyron, exhilarated after the day's work. "Fortunately we are well supported here by the project teams and organization."

"The key at first is to be safe," Peyron says, noting the first AC World Series races in Cascais are just over two weeks away. "We must quickly master the power in the machine but still prevent breakage."

On Friday, Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant, the sailmaker who usually works with the Peyron brothers arrives with a new gennaker in his luggage.

The Energy Team program over the next few days is simple - to sail and to learn. But look for the team to be on the water in the morning. By mid-afternoon, the wind conditions could make it difficult for follow Loïck's 'safety' mantra.


More images can be found here.