VILANOVA - DAY 1 - RACING ABANDONED

Race Director Iain Murray was forced to abandon racing on Day 1 of the 37^th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta here in Vilanova as the storms that have filtered up the coast and appeared to be passing, intensified just moments after all six teams docked-out of the Pendennis Vilanova Port.

“Downright atrocious,” was how commentator and multiple America’s Cup winner Glenn Ashby called it, “The visibility was at 150 metres and it was about as bad as Mother Nature gets, so no surprise it was cancelled and the teams will be back out tomorrow for some great battles.”

The yachts returned to their bases to be craned out amidst torrential rain and thunderclaps from a bruised sky.

Paul Goodison, helmsman for NYYC American Magic, speaking afterwards, commented: "It is what it is, in the weather it would have been very difficult to sail with lightning and thunder around, it doesn't feel very nice to be on a boat when all that is happening around you."

And he continued: "It will be interesting to see if they try and squeeze a couple more races in, it would be nice for us as sailors to do more races because that's what we're here to do but whatever the Race Committee decide, we will go with that."

A very wet Nathan Outteridge, helmsman for Emirates Team New Zealand came off the dock and reported: "I think it was the right decision to abandon but it was good to give it a chance as we all want to race. It was pretty wet when we got out there. We had about 10-11 knots when we were hoisting sails so we went for the J2 but by the time we cut the chase it was 4-5 knots and I think after about 10 minutes, Iain Murray realised that this was not a good place to be for everyone and got us all back in. I think everyone just excited to race, the practice races were great and we just want to get into it."

Maxime Bachelin, helmsman for Alinghi Red Bull Racing added: "We just tried, we went out but it was a bit too stormy, thunderstorms, so for the safety I think it's good to thing to head home. There was not a lot of wind as well, so they did what they can and we will be ready for tomorrow, for sure."

Kevin Peponnet came ashore thankful for the decision saying: "It was pretty scary when we saw some lightning and we couldn't see above 50 metres. The call was good to come back."

Giles Scott, helmsman for INEOS Britannia backed Iain Murray and the Race Committee's decision saying: "Yeah good decision. I mean maybe we could have sat it out but looking at the weather now it's still not raceable an hour after the decision. Top wind we saw was 15 knots for about ten minutes but it was all over the place and not raceable and with the visibility and lightning...the weather God's were conspiring unfortunately."

Jimmy Spithill, helmsman for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, was disappointed not to sail but realistic saying: "It was a little worrisome heading out there with the lightning on the radar but look we gave it our best shot, we did everything we could, and sometimes as we all know in our sport you can't control the weather and ultimately it was decided for us."

Asked what he would like to see in terms of the schedule going forward, Jimmy responded: "If it were up to me I would probably shorten the races up a little and try and fit more in because that's what we want to see, more starts, more mark roundings and I think people would enjoy that."

Scheduling for the rest of the regatta will be announced as soon as a decision is taken by the Race Director.