Extreme Sailing Series™ Act 5 press conference: What the sailors said

This morning the world-class sailors, representing seven international teams, took to the stage to speak to the media at the press conference ahead of the opener of Act 5, Hamburg, presented by Land Rover. Here’s what they had to say...

Thursday 10th August 2017

This morning the world-class sailors, representing seven international teams, took to the stage to speak to the media at the press conference ahead of the opener of Act 5, Hamburg, presented by Land Rover.

Here’s what they had to say:

Arnaud Psarofaghis, Alinghi (SUI): “We came second here last year, which was a good result. We hope to win here in Hamburg this time and improve on our last result in Barcelona. It is looking like the winds will be light and tricky today so we will see what happens.”

Rob Bunce, Land Rover BAR Academy (GBR): “I think it’s great to bring sailing to the masses, like the Extreme Sailing Series does. Hamburg was an amazing event last year and had one of the biggest crowds as you came right into the wall and you could hear all of the public cheering - it makes a big difference.”

Chris Steele, NZ Extreme Sailing Team (NZL): “We have Josh Junior on board and Rob Salthouse coaching at this event. They were both part of the recent winning Emirates Team New Zealand 35th America’s Cup campaign. They bring a lot of experience on and off the water.

“Josh is on the boat filling the tactician role this week and just generally around the boat, keeping the boys busy and knowing the systems. Then we have Rob Salthouse off the water on the coaching side of things and boat set-up. We’re a young team and just trying to learn as much as we can off of these guys with the experience. To have a couple of guys with us who’ve just won the America’s Cup is pretty impressive and we’re just soaking it all in.”

Phil Robertson, Oman Air (OMA): “We’ve been battling hard for a win and it’s obviously very nice to take one in Barcelona. I think we’ve got a pretty competitive field here and when you can get a win you have to take it as they don’t come easy.

“I don’t think anything special happened in Act 4 or anything miraculous, I think we’ve just been working pretty hard on keeping as consistent as possible and just trying to improve every step of the way. It seemed to work in Barcelona so fingers crossed we can carry it on here.”

Adam Minoprio, SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN): “It looks like it’s going to be extremely tricky and with the tough field we have I think it’s going to be a very close regatta. It’ll come down to the wire, just like the other events, especially between the teams fighting for the podium and the win.”