Extreme 2010 by OC Sport

Extreme 2010

28 HITTIN G T H E R E D Z O N E

CRASH AND BURN

EXTREME 40 CO-CREATOR AND 10 TIMES WORLD CHAMPION MITCH BOOTH TALKS US THROUGH ALL THE TRICKY SITUATIONS THAT ARE LIKELY TO ARISE ON THE EXTREME SAILING SERIES RACE COURSE.

HITTING THE RED ZONE Was the spectacle factor high on the agenda when you first started to work on the initial concept? “The priority was to bring the sport to the public and of course the boats had to be spectacular. We wanted a class that could both be challenging for the sailors and really entertaining for the spectators.” The Extreme 40 proved tricky and great fun right out of the box: did you then think that it would take a bit of time for the sailors to get used to its raw power? “The power to weight ratio makes these boats a handful in stronger breezes, but I believe they should be difficult and the top sailors in the world have to be pushed to the limits, otherwise we are

not demonstrating the sport to its full capacity.” How often do crews feel they’re reaching a limit in terms of control? “Not that often in under 10 knots, but after that the limits are stretched, and sometimes too far. But that is the challenge - who will push the boat the hardest?”

3 lap races, sometimes in less than 15 minutes, so you get to the first buoy very quickly and mostly at the same time as the other boats. Really tricky!” Once at the top of the course, crews bear away and set the gennaker - when the breeze kicks in, the risk of being overpowered is important at that stage, no? Definitely, and the sea state plays a big part as well. As has been the case often in Cowes, breeze and chop make the bear away difficult since the bows can dig into the waves while the rush of power generated by the big downwind sail is very sudden. A lot of teams push so hard to set the gennaker they don’t even round the mark before setting!”

Now in some cities like Amsterdam, and to a lesser extent Almeria, the race course is surrounded by walls… “Yes, but UNLESS the wind is very Startlines are crowded and often very gusty and the only escape is a big narrow, how are they best dealt with? “bear away” “The important thing then the is to be careful not to “Crash and Burn is the danger is get locked outside the essence of Extreme 40 the leeward lay lines and watch for racing. The Series has boat has any port tackers (note: crews which do not to push the World’s best right of way and have the right of way). sailors to the limits. can cause In that class once you’re out you’re out, a capsize every mistake is paid of the at full price. It’s full on!” windward boat… Not to mention the quays, that are not exactly inclined to Once the race is underway, crews rush move out of your way!” to the first buoy, and boat crossings are often very intense, hence risky. “The race for the first mark is always a huge risk. Keep in mind we are doing

Events a&Co / OC tinez / Se

MITCH BOOTH’S AMAZING CV

Having captured two Olympic medals - bronze in Barcelona, 1992, and silver in Atlanta, 1996 - Mitch Booth has been Sailor of the Year twice in his native Australia. The man has taken part in a staggering 64 World Championships, winning a total of 10 of them in Tornado, Hobie and Formula 18. Offshore, he’s captured two world records (aboard the maxi multihulls Club Med and PlayStation), and also took part in the 1995 America’s Cup.