Welsh sports stars take off with the Extreme Sailing Series™
Wales rugby international Alex Cuthbert and adventurer Lowri Morgan got a taste of life at the extreme when they were treated to a wet and wild ride with the Extreme Sailing Series™ crews in Cardiff.
Sunday 26th June 2016
Wales rugby international Alex Cuthbert and adventurer Lowri Morgan got a taste of life at the extreme when they were treated to a wet and wild ride with the Extreme Sailing Series™ crews in Cardiff.
Cuthbert, who plays on the wing for Wales and regional side Cardiff Blues, enjoyed a blast on foiling GC32 catamaran Oman Air while Morgan teamed up with Alinghi as the Extreme Sailing Series came to the Welsh capital.
Despite being in peak physical fitness themselves, Cuthbert and Morgan were left gobsmacked by the sheer power and agility of the sailors. It was the first time either of the sports stars had even ‘flown’ on a boat before.
“It was awesome,” said Cuthbert, who was put through his paces onboard by Oman Air skipper Morgan Larson. “The guys looked after me brilliantly – I even got to steer. At one point we dived quite deep and I got absolutely soaked. It was great fun.
“The height we got across the flat spots was incredible. I had no idea how fast these boats go. Morgan and the guys were great – good luck to them in the rest of the event.
“Just the adrenaline rush was amazing, especially when you catch a gust and take off. We were really shifting. It was a completely different rush to what I’m used to with rugby.”
Television presenter and ultra runner Morgan, one of only six people ever to complete the gruelling 351-mile 6633 Ultra race in the Arctic, added: “It was a huge privilege to go sailing with the Alinghi team – what an amazing experience. It was a pure adrenaline rush. I just can’t describe it.
“There’s a certain type of happiness that comes from travelling at 30 knots hovering a metre above the water. It’s put a huge smile on my face.
“I work in motorsport so I can totally understand why people call the Extreme Sailing Series the Formula 1 of the water. To see the guys working in harmony was brilliant.
“It’s wonderful that an event like this comes to Wales so we can showcase what we can offer the world of sport and adventure.”
Fellow adventurer Elin Haf Davies also got to hitch a ride with Alinghi. Casualty star George Rainsford, who plays young doctor Ethan Hardy, will join the teams today.
The final day of racing begins at 1400 BST. Fans can watch the action live on YouTube and BT Sport Europe from 1530 to 1700.
