Of course, you have to give the team and the sailors from Artemis Racing credit for wanting to go to this Cup party at such a late hour. Their AC72, "Big Blue", which was launched yesterday, set off early for the first test runs on the tame South Bay. When the wind picked up to around 15 knots, the cat lifted out of the water on its foils. But it all looked rather awkward compared to the well-rehearsed New Zealanders and the Italians who were sailing far behind the Kiwis. The boat was often trimmed too stern-heavy, the crew was still moving very cautiously, the procedures were not well-rehearsed. And how could it be otherwise? First day on the new boat, first time on the foils. Nothing grows into the sky overnight, even if there are several super sailors on board.
Helmsman Nathan Outteridge spoke of a perfect day and that it was a sense of achievement that this team so desperately needed. But he also added honestly: "We hope the 6th of August is doable, but we know we have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time. It was the first day (of foiling) for us, while the others are already on day 70 or 80. One step at a time, but we will move as fast as we can."
The Swedes are expected to sail in the semi-finals, which was guaranteed anyway due to the lack of participants in the Louis Vuitton Cup. The only thing that is unclear is who they will be up against. Everything looks like Luna Rossa, but the New Zealanders, who won the preliminary round easily and without losing any points, can choose whether they want to put their feet up and just watch in the semi-final or compete against a sparring partner to loosen up. The nervous organisers, who are likely to be putting pressure on Artemis behind the scenes to get into the regatta action as soon as possible, have hinted that it would be an "unexpected bonus" if the Swedes were to show up on the course before 6 August.
First day on the new boat for Artemis
It wouldn't be the America's Cup if it weren't for the Rules manipulated be. The Swedish boat is said to be too heavy. Perhaps because "Big Blue" was strengthened too much after the death of Andrew Simpson? In any case, a boat that is too heavy would be in breach of the class regulations, which in paragraph 5.10 stipulate aMaximum weight provide. This means that the other teams have to agree that Artemis can still take part in the Louis Vuitton Cup. Perhaps the others will voluntarily stash a few lumps of lead or a barrel Beer from Italy to adapt to the Swedes' excess weight. It sounds like a joke, but such an action could not be dismissed out of hand in this America's Cup.
According to the official programme, Artemis would play Luna Rossa today and Team New Zealand on Saturday.
