DETERMINATION AND PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF FOR RUISH IN AMERICA’S CUP E-SERIES QUALIFIER

Fans of the America’s Cup e-Series have become accustomed to the sight of Ruish, as he has qualified for the finals in every round since launch, and will remember the cruel fate he encountered when his internet connection failed in the final race of the third qualifier and forced his exclusion. 

Undeterred, Ruish returned in qualifier four but having led the series convincingly at one point, was outdone in the Final after some masterful e-sailing from the eventual winner, RockyBDA.

In the racing yesterday, overseen by hosts Jesse Tuke and Emirates Team New Zealand Women’s Team member Olivia Mackay, Ruish scored bullets in races one, two and three, but then suffered an uncustomary blip in race four where he finished last. With the white-hot pressure on, he performed magnificently in the final race, winning it, and securing his trip to Barcelona where he will take on the world’s very best AC e-Series sailors.

Ruish is fast becoming a legend of the game, competing as he does in the colours of Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli on the course – a nod to the country where he learnt to sail in the Laser and 420 classes. A native of Albania originally, Ruish who now lives in New Zealand, races proudly under the flag of Albania in the e-Series.

Since the global launch of the America’s Cup e-Series game, Ruish has completed over 400 hours of playing time and has a simple mantra for success: ‘Don’t make mistakes and be fast!’ – something that every sailor can appreciate.

Ruish is now in a race against a different clock with a new baby on the way in October, but will be hoping to be able to secure the title of America's Cup e-Series Champion and bring the top prize back home to New Zealand.

On behalf of everyone in the America’s Cup, congratulations Ruish, determination and persistence has truly paid off and we look forward to welcoming you to Barcelona at the end of the month.

(Magnus Wheatley)