The BMW ORACLE Racing team is ready to return to Louis Vuitton Trophy action in La Maddalena, Sardinia. 10 teams will battle for supremacy over the two-week regatta, racing off one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular coastlines. Competing on equalised America’s Cup Class boats (two of which have been provided by the team – USA 98 and USA 87), in Cup style match racing, the Louis Vuitton Trophy provides an important measuring stick for the team as it returns to monohull racing following its America’s Cup win in February. “It’s really exciting to get back on the water and race against all of the teams again,” said skipper James Spithill (AUS). “It feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve been in a competition like this.”
BMW ORACLE Racing missed the most recent Louis Vuitton Trophy in Auckland as the team focused on its America’s Cup Match. “I had a chance to see some of the racing in Auckland and it was all at a very high level,” Spithill continued. “This will be a good test for us to compete against many of the teams who are potential challengers in the next America’s Cup.”
The team racing in La Maddalena features several new faces, including navigator Ian Moore (GBR), who comes to the team after stints with Emirates Team New Zealand and TeamOrigin.
The full crew list for La Maddalena: Bow – Brad Webb Mid Bow – Ryan Godfrey Mast – Shannon Falcone Pit – Matthew Mason Port Grind – Brian MacInnes Starboard Grind – Jono Macbeth Main Grind – Joe Spooner Upwind Trim – Ross Halcrow Downwind Trim – Joey Newton Main Trim – Dirk de Ridder Traveler/Up Mast – Mark Mendelblatt Skipper – James Spithill Tactician – John Kostecki Runner Strategy – Michele Ivaldi Navigator – Ian Moore Aft Grind – Simeon Tienpont Aft Grind – Gillo Nobili Coach/Afterguard – Philippe Presti
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