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2008/07/30 - 17h07
Franck Cammas and his crew ready to get down to work
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| iShares Cup in Cowes |
| Whilst the rumours have been circulating about the announcement by the Appeal Section of the Supreme Court of New York State,
which judged in favour of the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV), making the latter the Challenger of Record, the crews involved
in the Ishares Cup are currently out on the water in preparation for Friday in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
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"We've been at the birthplace of the America's Cup since Monday with two Xtreme 40s from the BMW Oracle team"
recounts the skipper of Groupama. His entourage includes Thierry Fouchier, trusty crew aboard Groupama 2, who has been skimming
through the Grand Prix circuit for several years, as well as Joe Newton and Simeon Tienpont. Franck Cammas will be confronted
with some stiff opposition: "We have already contested a regatta of this type in Marseilles last year. This year, the
level has gone up another notch. It's likely to be pretty full on, especially as the weather conditions are forecast to be
fairly brisk" continues the recent vice champion of the world in the Formula 18.
In the green waters of the
Solent, so dear to the celebrated photographer Keith Beken, and its powerful currents which shift the sandbanks, these training
days will be a good basis to work from against local racers like Nick Moloney, who is officiating aboard BT as well as certain
Formula 18 specialists who will be thirsty for revenge, such as Styles on Ishares and Misha on Holmatro.
Whilst the
American crew are racing two catamarans, the second skippered by James Spithill accompanied by John Kostecki on tactics, the
crew of Alinghi are only racing the one boat which will be helmed by Ed Baird, winner of the last stage of the Ishares circuit
in Hyères, in the south of France.
Suffice to say that the battle promises to be fierce between the two teams, who
will certainly be masters of their own destiny this time around: "The boats are identical, so there aren't any differences
in speed. At least, if there are any then the gaps are fairly small according to the points of sail or the strength of the
wind as we were able to observe during the speed tests with Spithill" continues the skipper of Groupama.
Another
crucial point is the quality of the manoeuvres. Indeed, on the little course, the dexterity of the helmsmen and the rapidity
of the crew will be decisive. That's not to mention the pressing need to remain the right way up...
Rendez-vous next
Monday for the results of the races or beforehand, if you should wish, on the official website www.isharescup.com.
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