APRIL & OUT FOR INEOS BRITANNIA
We can expect clues aplenty about the future direction of the INEOS Britannia programme when ‘T6’, the team’s fabulous LEQ12 test platform, rolls out of the shed in about ten days’ time after an extensive, planned upgrade programme that begins over the long May Bank Holiday weekend.
No rest for the superb British shore team who have been relentless throughout the Palma winter testing period but there’s a good deal of excitement around the base about what’s coming next. Meantime, the INEOS Britannia AC40 will be rolling out next week to sharpen up the race techniques ahead of the Vilanova i La Geltrú and Jeddah preliminary regattas now confirmed in September and December.
Giles Scott, the model professional, offers an honest and calm recap and assessment of what has been a sensational month for INEOS Britannia who have taken huge strides forward in their testing programme for the 37th America’s Cup. One of the Challenger teams to watch, the British have put serious time in on the water in April, testing through the W-Foil and a host of systems and set-up upgrades looking assured and confident all-round.
VIDEO: Giles Scott, Head of Sailing, INEOS Britannia.
On-Water Recon Notes: It was a frustrating final sailing day for the INEOS Britannia syndicate who had their sailing plans curtailed by a technical issue with one of the two supporting Chase Boats just as the crew of helmsmen Giles Scott and Leigh McMillan with flight controllers Bleddyn Mon and Luke Parkinson were about to set off on the first flight of the day.
The team had rolled out at just before 1030 this morning and had their T6 LEQ12 test boat rigged and launched by 1100. After departing the dock at 1231 sails (M1-1 mainsail and the J4-1 headsail) were hoisted outside the harbour by 1300 just as the tell-tale signs of the southerly sea breeze could be seen on the horizon.
T6 came off its side-tow at 1315 and looked to be lining up for a take-off attempt when the sailors turned the boat head to wind. After a wait of 15 minutes or so, sails were dropped and the boat was put on a bow-line for the tow to shore to dock in at 1408.
According to the interview with Giles Scott T6 will now go back into the shed for an upgrade session with the British team's AC40 scheduled to be on the water on Tuesday next week – conditions permitting.
Dock-out: 1231 Dock-in: 1408
Conditions: 1255: 190 8 knots; 1330: 170 7 knots
Weather AM: Sunny with scattered high-level clouds. Hazy. 20-27°C.
Weather PM: Sunny with high-level clouds. Hazy. 27° C.
Sea state AM-PM: Slight Chop.
Onboard Today:
Helms: Giles Scott / Leigh McMillan
Crew: Luke Parkinson / Bleddyn Mon
Sails Used:
Mainsail M1-1: 1 hour.
Jib (J4-1): 456 minutes
No Sailing