Yachting: Light conditions have Team NZ on guard

Team NZ skipper Dean expects plenty of challengers in the latest round of the MedCup at Portimao. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

PORTIMAO - Skipper Dean Barker expects the predicted light winds off the Portuguese south coast this week to provide plenty of threats as Emirates Team New Zealand look to stay ahead of the yacht fleet.

Barker and his crew hold a commanding lead heading into the Audi MedCup's latest round, which begins tomorrow at Portimao in the popular tourist region of The Algarve.

NZL380 is 32.5 points ahead of their nearest rival, Argentine entry Matador, with defending champion Quantum, of the United States, 19.5 points further back in third.

Portimao is the penultimate stop in the five-regatta series, which is sailed in TP52s.

In their first appearance on the circuit, ETNZ would take a stranglehold on the title with another victory to follow successive wins in Marseille and Calgiari.

But Barker said today that the light conditions forecast for much of the five days of competition for the Portugal Trophy would make for some testing sailing and throw up plenty of contenders.

"One thing you learn in the lighter airs is that anyone can be competitive because it's not just about boatspeed or crew work," he said.

"It's about getting a good start, going the right way and having a little bit of fortune go your way."

While some commentators believe NZL380 looked less formidable when the wind drops below eight knots, Barker was unconcerned at what the weather gods would throw up.

He said the team had tried to tailor their programme towards being as good as they could all-round.

"I think if we picked a set of conditions, it would be flat water and probably 14 to 15 knots, which is where our boat goes best," he said.

"But in general, we seem to hang in well right across the range. We are not really fazed about what we get."

In yesterday's practice race, the wind barely reached eight knots.

Quantum, skippered by former ETNZ tactician Terry Hutchinson, got away to a good start to lead at the top mark and stayed in front until the end.

NZL380 was second, leaving Barker satisfied with how the dress rehearsal had gone.

"We were third around the top mark and we managed to get back to second, so we're very happy with the performance."

Barker sailed at the same event last year, when he was on board the Spanish yacht Bribon, which is seventh in this year's series.

He described Portimao as a tricky and unpredictable venue.

"There's no clear pattern a lot of the time," he said.

"You really have to sail well in every race to give yourself a chance."

- NZPA