Ten teams for one title: the GC32 World Championships brought together the world’s bests of foiling catamarans for four days of competition. 17 races were held in light airs that worked well for the Swiss of Blackstar, new World Champions. Testing crew composition towards the Americas Cup, Alinghi Red Bull Racing finishes third.
Lagos (POR), 17 July 2022 – Alinghi Red Bull Racing competed in the GC32 Worlds for four days off Lagos, alongside nine other teams. With some of the team members already busy with America’s Cup commitments, only one boat lined up at the start.
24 years old Maxime Bachelin, was at the helm accompanied by his more experienced teammates Nicolas Charbonnier, Yves Detrey, Bryan Mettraux and Florian Trüb. This original crew configuration revealed successful after 17 races as the team got third behind the winners Blackstar (SUI) and the French K-Challenge, second.
The four racing days were tough, with very light conditions that are not usual in Lagos: waves and light airs played on the sailors’ nerves. “It wasn’t easy, but we keep learning and this is the most important” says helmsman Bachelin, who is making his first podium finish on the GC32 Racing Tour. “The races were very close and required a lot of concentration. We’re taking the positive out of it, as our speed for example. I’m aware on improvement needed with the starts, and that will be the main focus of the next training sessions. Putting ourselves into difficult situations like we faced this week is a good preparation for the Cup!”
Long time crew member, Nils Frei is now watching the performance from the chase boat in his role of head coach. “Putting the crew in competition mode is important to prepare the bigger challenge we have ahead of us,” he explains. “It is an opportunity to get the right automatisms and to learn how to work well together.”
Alinghi Red Bull Racing stayed on overall standings podium during the four days of competition, despite sharp competitors and very competitive races. “The final result is positive, it’s always nice to finish on the podium!” adds Frei.
As the team regains the overall championship lead, the focus will now be on preparations for the AC75 BoatZero first training. The goal is to sail within the window allowed to new teams by the Protocol of the 37th America’s Cup.
Sailing team
Maxime Bachelin
Nicolas Charbonnier
Bryan Mettraux
Yves Detrey
Florian Trüb
Lucien Cujean (spare)
Results :
- Blackstar Sailing Team, 45 pts
- K-Challenge, 56 pts
- Alinghi Red Bull Racing, 70 pts
For more information, images and videos: Alinghi Red Bull Racing Newsroom
About Alinghi Red Bull Racing
After over a decade away from the Cup, Alinghi, one of the most dynamic names in the history of the America’s Cup, is returning to battle for sailing’s highest honour. The consecutive-winning syndicate joins forces with Red Bull, the driving force in global sport, to create a new team: Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
The team sails under the flag of the Société Nautique de Genève and is accompanied by its main partner Swiss watch brand TUDOR. The official Swiss challenger will compete in the Selection Series for the 37th America’s Cup, in 2024 in Barcelona. The countdown starts now!