BMW Oracle Racing to concentrate on AC33
'BMW are a principal sponsor of BMW Oracle Racing which now builds yachts and completes on the TP52 and America’s Cup circuits'
BMW Oracle Racing © Photo
Gilles Martin-Raget
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BMW Oracle Racing have announced that they will compete only at the Marseille stop of this year's Audi MedCup Circuit as the team's number one priority is to now get ready for the next America's Cup. - 'This is a great circuit, but we have decided to now put our focus very firmly on getting ready for the America's Cup,' said team skipper Russell Coutts. 'We are pleased we will still have a number of our sailing team continuing on the TP circuit with Artemis, and meanwhile we look forward to a great regatta here in Marseille this week against this highly competitive fleet.'
Competing for the City of Marseille Trophy on the Audi MedCup Circuit, USA 17 has Larry Ellison at the helm with Russell Coutts calling tactics. James Spithill is the strategist and Michele Ivaldi the navigator.
Another ten BMW Oracle Racing team members are in Marseille racing with Torbjorn Tornqvist on board the TP52 Artemis, with John Kostecki calling tactics. The team is stepping up its multihull training, including more time on its two X-40 catamarans and with the 60-foot trimaran Groupama 2 in Lorient.
USA 17 crew:
Alan Smith, bow, (NZL); Max Sirena, mid-bow, (ITA); Gilberto Nobili, grinder (ITA); Simone de Mari, pit; (ITA); Brian MacInnes, primary grind, (CAN); Grant Davidson, primary grinder, (NZL); Daniel Fong, Downwind Trimmer, (NZL); Dimitri Despierres, Upwind Trimmer, (FRA); Ian Burns, Main Assist (AUS); Dirk de Ridder, Mainsheet trimmer, (NED); James Spithill, strategist, (AUS); Michele Ivaldi, Navigator, (ITA); Russell Coutts, tactician, (NZL); Larry Ellison, helmsman, (USA).
BMW Oracle Racing team competing with Artemis:
John Kostecki, tactician, (USA); Matteo Plazzi, navigator (ITA); Noel Drennan, mainsheet (IRL); Ross Halcrow, Upwind Trimmer, (NZL); Juan Meseguer, Downwind Trimmer (ESP); Jonathan Macbeth, Main Grinder, (NZL); Joe Spooner, Primary Grinder, (NZL); Jared Henderson, Pit, (NZL); Bryce Ruthenberg, mid-bow, (AUS) and Alberto Barovier, mid-bow (ITA).
The 10-race regatta starts Tuesday the 3 of June and runs through Saturday the 7 of June.
by BMW Oracle Racing media
Gold COast, QLD
