Tactical Breakdown of the Rio Practice Session The practice rounds in Rio provided a harsh litmus test for the fleet, characterized by marginal, light-wind conditions that pushed technical execution to the limit. Despite the unpredictable environment, the results mirrored the existing hierarchy of the sport. Australia and Spain asserted dominance early, each securing two race wins. This performance suggests that the top-tier teams possess a technical cushion that allows them to maintain foiling stability even when the breeze drops to near-impossible levels. For the chasing pack, this was a missed opportunity to build momentum and disrupt the established order. Marginal Foiling and the Los Gayos Edge Los Gayos demonstrated superior boat handling, looking remarkably in control despite the light air. Their ability to maintain flight in "marginal" conditions—a skill they previously showcased in Sydney—indicates a refined understanding of weight distribution and wing trim. In these low-energy scenarios, every movement on the boat must be precise; any jarring shift can drop the hull into the water, ending a podium run. Their consistency suggests they have found a "low-mode" gear that their rivals are still struggling to calibrate. French Struggles Amidst Personnel Transitions France underperformed relative to expectations, slipping to fifth place after a promising start. The tactical lag is likely attributed to significant roster changes following the Auckland crash. With Glenn Ashby taking over wing trim and Liv Mai stepping into the strategist role for Manon Audinet, the communication loops are not yet instinctive. Success in foiling requires a telepathic connection between the pilot and the trimmer; currently, the French team is thinking through their maneuvers rather than feeling them. Weather Forecast and Strategic Outlook Local insights from Robert Scheidt suggest the stagnant conditions are temporary. While Friday was grueling, the forecast for the weekend indicates a building breeze. This shift will fundamentally change the tactical requirements, moving from a game of "staying dry" to a high-speed drag race. Teams that excelled in the light air must now prove they can handle the physical toll of high-G maneuvers as the Rio heat and wind intensity increase.
Glenn Ashby
People
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Overview: The Trial by Fire in Perth Season 6 of SailGP opened not with a whimper, but with a roar. The Perth event was the ultimate litmus test for the fleet, characterized by the legendary Fremantle Doctor—a sea breeze that transforms the racecourse into a washing machine of chop and swell. We have seen these F50 catamarans handle 25 knots of wind before, but the seastate in Western Australia redefined the limits of the platform. This was more than a race; it was an exhibition of athletic and mechanical resilience. When Nathan Outteridge and Chris Draper call these the most challenging conditions they have ever faced, the rest of the sporting world must pay attention. The event exposed the raw vulnerability of even the most elite crews. Pre-event training sessions became a battle of attrition, seeing Iain Jensen and Chris Draper sidelined by brutal injuries. This environment demanded a specific brand of leadership—one that balances the aggressive pursuit of speed with the cold reality of asset protection. For the veterans, it was a reminder that the ocean remains the ultimate arbiter of success. For the newcomers, it was a terrifying introduction to the pinnacle of foiling technology. Key Strategic Decisions: The Geometry of the Start In Perth, the race was won or lost before the first mark. The French SailGP Team demonstrated a masterclass in spatial awareness during the pre-start. While the majority of the 11-boat fleet bunched together in a low-speed foiling procession, the French chose to remain out of phase. They stayed offshore, finding clear air and pulling the trigger with a timing that seemed almost clairvoyant. This aggressive strategy relies on a gap opening in the "wall of boats," a high-risk maneuver that yields massive rewards if executed with precision. Contrast this with the approach of Emirates GBR. Their starting data was, frankly, abysmal, averaging 10th out of 11 at mark one. However, their strategic brilliance manifested in their recovery. Dylan Fletcher and his crew opted for a "slow to go fast" mentality. By intentionally yielding a few meters at the congested leeward gate, they avoided the chaos that claimed New Zealand and Switzerland. This allowed them to find the "free air" on the upwind leg, leveraging their superior boat speed to execute a record-breaking 26 overtakes across seven races. It is a reminder that in high-stakes racing, the cleanest lane is often more valuable than the shortest distance. Performance Breakdown: The Wave Whisperer Individual brilliance was the deciding factor in the chaos of the Perth swell. Luke Parkinson, the flight controller for Great Britain, earned his reputation as the "Wave Whisperer." In foiling, consistency of pitch is everything. You want the boat locked at a 3-degree bow-down attitude to optimize the aero platform. While other boats were porpoising violently, Parkinson operated his controller like a virtuoso, trimming the foils for every individual peak and trough. His ability to "boss the boat" allowed the British to maintain maximum speed while others were forced into survival mode. On the Australia SailGP Team, we saw the legendary Glenn Ashby step in with zero preparation to replace the injured Jensen. Ashby’s performance was a testament to the importance of foundational experience. Despite the F50 evolving significantly since his days on the AC50, Ashby’s instinctual understanding of wing trim allowed the Australians to remain competitive. The team utilized a "seventh man" strategy, with Jensen providing tactical input via comms from the coach's booth, proving that modern coaching is now an integrated, real-time component of the crew's execution. Critical Moments: The Port-Starboard Crisis The collision between Peter Burling’s Black Foils and the Swiss team was the most controversial moment of the weekend. It was a classic port-starboard incident, occurring at a closing speed of nearly 100 knots. While the umpires correctly penalized New Zealand, the incident highlights a deeper debate regarding "anticipation" in foiling. Burling remained unrepentant, arguing he lacked the opportunity to keep clear in a high-G turn. This raises a critical question for the sport's governing bodies: is the current umpiring framework sufficient for the speeds these boats now achieve? When a split-second decision can end a team's weekend and cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, the margin for error is non-existent. The Swiss footage shows the terrifying reality of two helmsmen fighting the wheel to avoid a catastrophe. For New Zealand, the seven-point penalty is a heavy burden, but the loss of valuable "time on foil" is the true cost of the collision. Future Implications: Technical Frontiers and the Record Books The technical post-mortem of Perth suggests that the new titanium high-speed rudders may be hitting a performance ceiling. Insiders suggest that cavitation or ventilation issues are preventing boats from fully exploiting the windward end of the starting line. While titanium offers logistical advantages and reduced servicing, the loss of top-end speed is a trade-off that teams will be desperate to solve before the next event in Auckland. Beyond the stadium, the spirit of victory reached the Atlantic. The Mod 70 Argo shattered the transatlantic record, proving that the "24-hour push" has evolved into a 45-minute sprint rotation. Pushing at 40 knots in total darkness requires a psychological resilience that mirrors the intensity of SailGP. Simultaneously, the Raven, a foil-assisted superyacht, established a new monohull benchmark. This is the "trickle-down" effect of America's Cup technology in action. We are entering an era where the boundary between a racing machine and a luxury vessel is blurring, driven by the relentless pursuit of speed. As we look toward the future, the lesson from Perth is clear: whether in a harbor or an ocean, victory belongs to those who can master the rhythm of the waves.
Jan 21, 2026The Crucible of Perth The season opener of SailGP Season 6 in Perth was a brutal litmus test for technical execution. The "Fremantle Doctor" delivered sustained winds of 18-22 knots and a short, aggressive chop. This wasn't just a race; it was a survival drill. While half the fleet struggled simply to stay foil-borne, the elite performers treated the chaos as a tactical variable. In these conditions, the burden shifts entirely to the flight controllers and pilots. Precision in ride-height management became the difference between podium finishes and catastrophic nose-dives. British Technical Dominance Emirates GBR showcased why they are the defending champions. Despite a lackluster Saturday, the team executed a perfect reset. Luke Parkinson delivered a masterclass in flight control, maintaining a stable platform while rival boats "lolloped" in the swell. Dylan Fletcher utilized a "create space" strategy. By intentionally slowing at the bottom gate to ensure a clean, fast rounding, the Brits sacrificed short-term meters for long-term tactical freedom. This allowed them to stretch their legs on the upwind legs, ultimately neutralizing the fleet in the final. The Australian Resilience Tom Slingsby and the Australia SailGP Team faced immense adversity after losing Ian Jensen to injury. Integrating Glenn Ashby at the eleventh hour in 22-knot winds is a monumental task. Tactically, the Australians chose a high-percentage, conservative game plan. They followed the British line, hoping for a mistake rather than attempting risky splits. While they secured second place, the lack of aggressive maneuvering in the final revealed the limitations of a new crew dynamic under extreme pressure. French Versatility and Swedish Potential France took the opposite approach to Australia. Manon Audinet and her team hunted for splits at every mark, constantly forcing the leader to cover. This diverse tactical profile nearly paid off, proving that aggression is a viable counter to speed deficits. Meanwhile, Nathan Outteridge and the Artemis debut showed flashes of brilliance but were undone by a critical pre-start handling error. In SailGP, the margin for error is zero; a single failed tack in the box ends your podium hopes.
Jan 18, 2026The Brutal Reality of High-Stakes Foiling Victory in elite sailing is never guaranteed, and SailGP Season 6 is proving this before the first official race. In the high-velocity environment of F50 racing, the margin for error is non-existent. Recent practice sessions in Perth have turned into a medical bulletin, reminding every team that physical resilience is just as critical as tactical brilliance. When you lose key personnel days before an opener, your entire playbook goes out the window. Impact Trauma and the Draper Incident Chris Draper, the high-profile wing trimmer for Artemis, learned this the hard way during an aggressive roundup. The G-forces involved in these maneuvers are staggering. Draper took a direct hit to the trampoline, resulting in significant facial lacerations and multiple stitches. While he attempted a rapid return to the boat, the disruption forced rookie David Gilmore into a high-pressure trial by fire. For a coach, this is the ultimate test of depth; you see exactly what your secondary roster is made of when the veteran goes down. The Australian Crisis: Losing Goobs Perhaps the most devastating blow hit Australia. Their marquee signing, Iain Jensen—known affectionately as "Goobs"—suffered a trapped leg during a routine jibe. Seeing a world-class athlete on crutches in the tech zone is a red flag for any campaign. Jensen was the glue meant to solidify Tom Slingsby’s crew. Now, the defending champions must integrate a replacement with zero lead time. Emergency Integration: The Ashby Factor Enter Glenn Ashby. While Ashby is a legend of the America's Cup, he lacks recent F50 seat time. Integrating a new trimmer 24 hours before a season opener isn't just a personnel change; it's a fundamental shift in communication and timing. Success this weekend won't come from technical perfection, but from how quickly Slingsby and Ashby can find a shared rhythm under fire.
Jan 16, 2026Overview of the Auckland Tactical Landscape Victory in high-stakes competition rarely stems from a single stroke of genius; it is the result of compounding marginal gains. Analysis of 2.5 million leaked data points from the last America's Cup reveals how Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) didn't just out-sail their opponents—they out-engineered the physiological limits of their crew. While Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli showed flashes of brilliance in light air, the data confirms ETNZ maintained a consistent upwind VMG advantage of approximately one knot. This wasn't merely a faster hull; it was a superior integration of mechanical systems and tactical execution. Key Strategic Decisions: The T-Foil Gambit The most critical strategic choice was the commitment to the **T-foil** geometry over the more stable **Y-foil** designs favored by challengers. A T-foil represents a high-risk, high-reward approach. It offers a deeper immersion point and lower surface area, which mitigates ventilation and allows for extreme cant angles. However, unlike Y-foils, which offer inherent stability through the disassociation of vertical lift and leeway resistance, the T-foil is notoriously unstable. To stay foiling, the center of effort in the sails must perfectly align with the foil's generated forces. Any deviation leads to a catastrophic loss of control. Performance Breakdown: Mechanical Workarounds How did ETNZ manage a "twitchy" foil without exhausting their grinders? The data uncovers a controversial exploitation of the One Design foil cant system. While Luna Rossa adjusted their cant roughly once per minute, ETNZ triggered adjustments every seven seconds. By using the battery-powered cant system for active gust response rather than just deployment, they offloaded the physical burden of constant sail trimming. This preserved human energy while maintaining a knife-edge balance that challengers could not replicate through muscle alone. Critical Moments and Future Implications This tactical shift redefined the role of the foil from a structural component to a primary trim tool. As we look toward future competitions, the emergence of AC40 yachts—which utilize battery power for both sails and foils—suggests a return to aggressive sail trimming. However, for the human-powered AC75 class, the lesson is clear: winning requires finding every possible way to let the machine assist the man. Strategy is not just the path you sail, but how you manage the finite energy of your team.
Oct 8, 2023The New Era of Competitive Espionage In the high-stakes world of elite team sports, information is the most valuable currency. For decades, the America's Cup was defined by a shadow war where teams spent millions of dollars on private spying operations, chasing rival boats in high-speed ribs to capture every flick of a rudder or curve of a wing. Ray Davies, a veteran of Emirates Team New Zealand, explains that the landscape has fundamentally shifted. The 37th edition of the Cup has moved away from the chaotic "Wild West" of private reconnaissance toward a formalized, joint program. This isn't just a cost-saving measure; it is a strategic restructuring that changes how teams develop technology and prepare for battle. From Shadowing to Standardization The previous model was unsustainable. Ray Davies recalls the absurdity of three different recon teams following a single boat in Auckland, creating massive fuel burns and safety hazards. In response, Dan Bernasconi proposed a joint recon program where a centralized pool of data is shared among all competitors. Now, teams no longer choose their own spies; the opposition decides who will watch them. This transparency is jarring for organizations used to extreme secrecy. There are now people from outside the inner circle standing on the forecourt as boats roll out, documenting every modification. The Operational Workflow The logistics of this new system are rigorous. Each team provides a chase boat for the recon crew, which includes a photographer and an observer. These individuals aren't just taking pretty pictures; they are following a specific manifest of interests. Teams use shared spreadsheets to request specific angles or components they want to see from their rivals. If a competitor rolls out a new elevator or flap, it must be declared. This formal process ensures that while the "cat is out of the bag" earlier than in previous cycles, the data is structured, high-quality, and accessible to every design department in the competition. Analyzing the Firehose of Data The challenge has shifted from *obtaining* data to *filtering* it. With every team being tracked daily, the volume of footage, metadata, and technical specs is staggering. Ray Davies warns that this can easily become a distraction. If a team spends too much time reacting to what they see in a rival's cockpit, they risk losing their own development trajectory. At Emirates Team New Zealand, the strategy is to distribute the workload. The rig specialists pore over mast photos, while appendage designers focus on foil geometry. It’s about maintaining a disciplined focus on your own game plan while keeping a watchful eye on the field's evolution. The Strategic Pivot: Barcelona and Beyond Strategy in the current cycle is heavily influenced by the move to Barcelona. Unlike the relatively flat waters of previous venues, Barcelona presents a significant sea state. Recon teams are currently obsessed with hull designs and how boats handle waves. Ray Davies points out that form stability and the ability to take off in a displacement mode amidst waves are the new frontiers. The recon data allows teams to see exactly how rivals are coping with these conditions—how long their rudders are, and how they manage the drag during takeoff. This real-time feedback loop accelerates the entire fleet's learning curve, potentially narrowing the performance gap between the top and bottom teams. Efficiency and the Human Element Technology has not only changed the spying game but the training game as well. The introduction of the AC40 class, powered by batteries rather than human "grinders," has revolutionized time on water. In previous years, training sessions were limited by battery life and human fatigue. Today, teams can execute 85 maneuvers in a single session without a single stop. This efficiency means that the recon footage captured is richer than ever, showing more maneuvers, more transitions, and more data points. The Outlook for the 37th America's Cup As we approach the competition, the joint recon program will continue to act as a leveling force. While it makes it harder to hide a "silver bullet" like the cyclors used in Bermuda, it elevates the overall quality of the racing. We are seeing a convergence in design where the boats look more similar than ever. This shifts the focus back to the sailors. When the technical margins are razor-thin, the victory goes to the team with the best execution, the sharpest tactics, and the mental resilience to handle the pressure of Barcelona. The intelligence war is no longer about who has the most spies; it's about who has the best analysts.
Oct 27, 2022The Challenger of Record: Strategic Shield or Status Symbol? The elevation of INEOS Britannia to Challenger of Record for the next cycle represents a calculated move by Jim Ratcliffe and Ben Ainslie. Historically, this position has rarely guaranteed a path to victory, yet its value lies in the preservation of continuity. In the high-stakes environment of the America's Cup, the greatest threat to a well-funded campaign is not just the speed of the opponent, but the volatility of the rules. By securing this role, the British team ensures the AC75 class remains the standard, protecting their massive R&D investment from being rendered obsolete by a sudden shift back to traditional hulls or different foiling configurations. While Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli utilized their previous tenure as Challenger of Record to deeply influence the initial class rules, INEOS Britannia appears more focused on administrative stability. They are not looking for an artificial advantage; they are seeking a fair fight where their technological prowess can actually mature over multiple cycles. This is a marathon mindset. They recognize that the Emirates Team New Zealand dynasty was built on years of incremental refinement, and they are finally positioning themselves to mimic that long-term trajectory. The Failure of the Safe Bet: Luna Rossa’s Tactical Ceiling Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli delivered a masterclass in reliability and aesthetic refinement, yet they ultimately hit a performance ceiling. Their boat was arguably the most "refined" package in the fleet—stable, predictable, and exceptionally well-handled by the dual-helm system of Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni. However, in the America's Cup, "safe" is often a synonym for "second place." Their design philosophy lacked the radical edge required to overcome the raw VMG advantages of the Kiwis. The Italians fell into the trap of optimizing for the known rather than the possible. Their foils were larger and more forgiving than those of the defenders, which provided an advantage in the lighter, shifty air of the early races. But as the series progressed, the inability to match the top-end speed of the New Zealand T-foils became a terminal liability. They played a perfect game with a limited hand. To win the Auld Mug, you cannot just sail better; you must bring a superior weapon to the water. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli brought a scalpel to a railgun fight. Engineering Resilience: The New Zealand Innovation Engine Emirates Team New Zealand succeeded because they embraced the risk of failure during the development phase. Their boat was notoriously difficult to sail initially, suffering from stability issues that were visible during the early World Series events. Yet, this instability was a byproduct of pushing the boundaries of drag reduction. Their foils were 15-20% smaller in wetted surface area than the Italians', a decision that required immense confidence in their flight control systems and the nerves of Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. The tactical brilliance of the Kiwi campaign was not found in a single "silver bullet" but in a culture of systemic thinking. Every component, from the lowered mast stump to the aggressive foil cant, was designed to minimize aero and hydro drag at the expense of ease-of-use. They gambled that their sailing team—the most versatile in the world—could bridge the gap between a volatile machine and a winning performance. That gamble paid off. The second half of the match saw a level of execution that was essentially a demolition of the Italian strategy, proving that once the Kiwis mastered their own creation, no amount of tactical positioning from Jimmy Spithill could stop them. Reforming the Rules: Penalties and Pre-starts The current state of officiating in the AC75 class requires a total overhaul. The boundary penalties witnessed during this cycle were arbitrary and often nonsensical, failing to reflect the actual gain or loss of a boat. When a boat is penalized for crossing a virtual line by centimeters, the current "drop-back" system creates a communication lag that disrupts the flow of the race. We need a "drive-through" style penalty or a concrete VMG-loss requirement that the sailors can see on their own telemetry in real-time, removing the inconsistent human element of the umpires. Furthermore, the pre-start sequence felt truncated. With boats as fast as the AC75, a longer entry period is essential to allow for genuine tactical engagement. We saw only one "set play" per boat before they were forced to line up for the start. To make this a true spectator sport, the rules must allow for the cat-and-mouse games that defined the 12-meter and Version 5 eras. We are racing spaceships now; we need a combat arena that reflects their speed and complexity. Cultural Dynamics: Military Precision vs. Creative Fluidity A striking contrast exists between the communication cultures of INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand. The British team operates with a rigid, almost military hierarchy. While this ensures clear commands, it may stifle the creative problem-solving necessary when things go south. In contrast, the Kiwi boat sounds like a laboratory. There is a fluid, constant exchange of information between Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, and Glenn Ashby. They are comfortable being wrong, which allows them to find the right answers faster. Winning the America's Cup requires more than just the "boss" making a call; it requires a hive mind capable of processing data at 50 knots. If Ben Ainslie wants to bring the cup home to Cowes, he must foster an environment where his teammates feel empowered to challenge his instincts. The era of the singular, all-powerful skipper is dead. The era of the collaborative, engineering-led sailing team is here to stay.
Apr 1, 2021