Land Rover BAR Youth Team Train In Bermuda
Land Rover BAR Academy recently took part in a training camp in Bermuda where they sailed the AC45F for the first time, which is the boat they will race in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup and the same boat used by the senior team during the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series 2015/16.
They hit the waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound in preparation for the Youth America’s Cup which will take place on the America’s Cup race course 12 – 16th June [qualifiers] and 20-21 June [finals].
During their time in Bermuda they were based at Land Rover BAR HQ providing access to the high-tech gym facilities with invaluable first-hand knowledge and advice on hand from the senior team members who are based full-time in Bermuda.
Photo courtesy of Harry KH
The Land Rover BAR Academy completed five good days of sailing, with varying conditions from 4 knots to 22 knots, providing the perfect opportunity to learn the range of different conditions that Bermuda offers.
Senior team sailors Nick Hutton and Freddie Carr were onboard the AC45F for the first two days of training to bring the Land Rover BAR Academy up to speed with boat handling. The AC45F is very different to their current boat – GC32 – which they race in the Extreme Sailing Series.
Rob Bunce, Skipper said, “We had a positive week in Bermuda sailing the AC45F in preparation for the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup. Gaining this experience will be invaluable for when we arrive in Bermuda for the racing.
“Over a few days of practice racing with 4 different teams we managed to secure a handful of wins and some very consistent sailing. This gives us a good confidence boost knowing that we are at a decent level and on a level par with the other teams.”
Chris Taylor, Helm said, “We were very fortunate to have Nick Hutton and David Carr out sailing with us on the first two days of sailing the AC45F. Having the guys onboard fast tracked us in a lot of areas but especially getting up to speed with the boat handling.
“The GC32 and the Extreme Sailing Series has been a great platform but on the AC45F we have runners to think about and the loads are lot higher for the guys during manoeuvres! We also were able to talk to a number of the senior team members whilst at the base which has given us a great insight into all the areas of sailing the AC45F.”
The Land Rover BAR Academy will head to Qingdao, China for their final Extreme Sailing Series event ahead of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.
