NZ Herald’s Alex Chapman, around the world sailor Bianca Cook and AUT sailing Professor Mark Orams look back as the Prada ACWS and Christmas Cup come to a close after a bizarre day on the water. Video / NZ Herald
OPINION:
So what did we learn from the World Series over the past few days?
It certainly led me to the conclusion that Team New Zealand must push its preparations even further as they set about defending the Auld Mug.
I've actually got a suggestion for them, and it involvesbringing the man I rate as the second-best foiling skipper in the world on board. But more about that later.
The four days of the World Series/Christmas Regatta had their issues, but it was a resounding success overall. Here are the key points.
First of all, the remainder of the America's Cup will be very exciting and captivate Kiwis and others, especially the sailing community, around the world.
Despite the "non-Christmas Race" snorefest due to lack of wind, the images of these amazing flying yachts against the backdrop of Rangitoto Island and the Waitemata Harbour, along with the City of Sails skyline, were spectacular.
Secondly, these AC75 yachts can and will be raced hard. Any fears of the America's Cup turning into a boring drag race, with a superior yacht sailing off into the horizon, were allayed (even though this did happen on occasion).
We saw some classic duelling in the pre-starts, with umpires handing out penalties. We witnessed "dial-ups" and "dial downs", tacking duals, covering and attacks. And we saw something new – "sit-downs" – when these foiling yachts fall off the foils and park.
There are many areas for all of the teams to work on – it will mean no Christmas holidays for them.
The longest list will be for Ineos Team UK and they may be looking to Santa for help.
Their lack of speed and inability to stay on their foils in light winds was rumoured to be an issue before this regatta but it was much worse than I thought it would be.
The sight of the great sailors onboard Britannia stuck on the ocean and unable to do anything to persuade her to lift off was sad to see. They will be so frustrated and beyond any public displays of optimism, they will know in their heart of hearts their chances of success are slim.
Team New Zealand in action against INEOS Team UK as they both crawl down the course. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Luna Rossa and American Magic will be very encouraged however.
Even though they were beaten by TNZ overall, they found out they are competitive and that TNZ are beatable after Dean Barker and his American Magic team took the defenders down on day one.
Psychologically this is really important. They will be doubly motivated to keep pushing forward knowing the Prada Cup winner can snare the cup from TNZ in March.
I bet Team New Zealand wish they had another couple of regattas, to build on the enormous amount they will have learned from this one.
They emerged with a solid, competitive all-around package. They appear to have few weaknesses in terms of their equipment package.
But they made too many mistakes and must reduce them. Decision-making and manoeuvres under pressure are the key items to address.
They have the ability to sort it out but – most concerningly – face a lack of real race practice time from this point on. They need to devise a way to reduce the risk of going into the 36th America's Cup cold against a challenger who will be battl- hardened from the month-long Prada Cup.
That challenger will be race ready and looking to exploit any "rust" in Peter Burling and TNZ.
Perhaps the option of recommissioning their smaller trial boat Te Kahu, as a practice opponent, should be looked at. It's quick, manoeuverable and only needs a crew of four. This could help them sort out problem areas like the pre-start.
Nathan Outteridge. Photo / Photosport
Who should skipper this to give Burling and the crew of Te Rehutai the best test?
One of the best foiling sailors and helmsmen in the world is sitting at Cheltenham Beach without a gig.
Aussie Nathan Outteridge would slot in (and out) of TNZ really smoothly. He also qualifies on residency, having lived here for a year, and he's married to a Kiwi.
Being pushed in practice by Outteridge could be the next level move for Team New Zealand.
He's talented, humble and very smart. Does anyone have his number? If so, please forward to G. Dalton, care of Team New Zealand.
Enjoy smooth sailing to the Cup with Auckland Transport
• Avoid traffic congestion and parking niggles and download the AT Mobile app to plot your bus, train or ferry ride to race venues before you leave home.
• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride to the Cup
