Living and learning in the fast lane. It was the wish of the seven representing the German colours here, and it was granted. But before they sailed yesterday, the young sailors had the opportunity to take a photo with superstars such as Russell Coutts, Jimmy Spithill, Iain Percy, Nathan Outteridge and Ben Ainslie. "In my youth there was no clear path to the Cup," said Spithill, the youngest winning Cup helmsman in history. But the Youth AC, Spithill continued, gives these guys a good opportunity, which means that access (to the America's Cup) is much broader today.
On the water, the Germans initially struggled to realise their potential. In the first race against Australia and New Zealand, the STG/NRV team was hot on the heels of the leading Australians for a long time before it lost its footing at the last buoy and had to let the Kiwis pass. The course was then set in South Bay, where the breeze was light but the outgoing tide was strong. Against Austria and New Zealand, there were problems with the timing of the start and probably also with the strong current, before the German team played to its strengths against Denmark and South Africa and recorded an unchallenged start-finish victory.
Coach Markus Koy was satisfied with the day's 3rd, 3rd and 1st places. "The fact that the boys sailed round the course without any problems in the strong wind under regatta conditions is a good start. The mistakes happened because their heads were still too much in the boat." But Koy and the team hope that this will be much better after yesterday's race training on Thursday. The surprise was Austria, who, like the Australians, have two first and one second place to their name. There will be three more races for each team on Thursday and Friday.
