Mark ‘Corky’ Rhodes gives his thoughts going in to Act 2, Qingdao

On the eve of Act 2 of the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series ™, our expert commentator Mark 'Corky' Rhodes looks back on a thrilling season opener in Muscat and forward to what Qingdao has in store.

Thursday 28th April 2016

On the eve of Act 2 of the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series ™, our expert commentator Mark ‘Corky’ Rhodes looks back on a thrilling season opener in Muscat and forward to what Qingdao has in store.

Did Muscat deliver for Act 1 of the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series?
Yes, for several reasons. Firstly due to the range of conditions presented to the sailors – it allowed the opportunity to get used to the GC32s in different weather. I think the opening day, with the old port of Muttrah as the backdrop, was just spectacular, it couldn’t have gone any better. It was a fantastic first Act of 2016.

Was the podium for Act 1 as you expected it to be?
I felt Oman Air were going to come away with the win in Muscat so I was pleased my prediction came true. I thought SAP Extreme Sailing Team would be up there on the podium too but their colossal error in the last race put paid to that. I expected a good performance from Land Rover BAR Academy with the experience of Leigh McMillan at the helm and a crew of very ambitious young sailors.

Were there any other surprises?
The one team I was surprised about was Alinghi – I expected a little more from them. Their prior knowledge of the GC32 didn’t really allow them to get a jump on some of the other teams playing catch-up.

What was the secret to Oman Air’s success?
It was a combination of a few things. They were consistent with their starts – when they found a position on the line they were happy with they were able to get into the first few boats by the first mark. Their boat handling and boat speed was consistent, and that made a real difference. Finally the experience of a lot of the crew from the GC32 series, especially their skipper Morgan Larson, really helped.

What does Qingdao hold in store?
Qingdao is one of the most inconsistent race courses of the Series in terms of weather – you can expect everything from bright sunshine to rain to fog, and light wind to full-on breeze. One factor that proves a challenge is the city’s skyscrapers that disrupt the flow of the wind. It makes the race course very shifty and very gusty. When the breeze suddenly increases it can jump by up to 10 knots. I think it will throw up some of the most challenging racing of the season.

How should the teams approach racing in Qingdao?
It’s about finding a strategy that works and can get the teams into the top few boats consistently. Results in Qingdao are likely to be inconsistent because it’ll be harder to read the weather. The most important thing will be to minimise errors and avoid scoring big points. It’s all about damage limitation.

Most teams are staying with the same crews as they had in Muscat – how important is that?
The more consistency the teams have with sailors on board the better. They will be able to build on the experience of Muscat and take that into Qingdao. There are a couple of changes here and there but most teams have chosen to stick with the same crews for good reason. Consistency is key.

What are your thoughts on Black joining the home nation team - One?
Black brings huge experience from the Dongfeng Race Team crew in the last edition of the Volvo Ocean Race and One are a strong team anyway. However Black will have to adapt his ocean skills to the GC32s so it will be a test for him. To have a local sailor onboard will give the team a confidence boost and they will have the support of the crowds too. That can make quite a difference.

What are your predictions for Qingdao?
I expect Oman Air on the podium again – watching them on and off the water they have a level of professionalism that everyone aspires to. SAP Extreme Sailing Team won in Qingdao last year, and after their mistake in Muscat they will be out to prove themselves. I expect points to be tight going into the final day due to the nature of the race course. I can see One and Team Turx mixing things up too but any team has the ability to get onto the podium.