This weekend Alinghi's SUI 64 will participate for the first time in an official Cup fleet racing event in Marseille (September 5-11). The Marseilles Louis Vuitton, Act 1, is the first in a series of fleet racing events for the America's Cup teams. Alinghi helmsman Peter Holmberg, a skilled match and fleet racer and the Caribbean's top sailing export, is preparing for the different challenge that fleet racing IACC boats presents. Act 1 in Marseille will be Peter's first time racing in that city, and he's looking forward to the test. Alinghi's Michelle Slade interviewed Peter late-August: As helmsman, what will be the key strategic difference fleet racing an IACC boat, vs. match racing?
Peter: Fleet racing is a distinctly different style of racing that requires you to change your entire strategy, particularly at the beginning of each race, and then as the series progresses. Rather than focusing on one boat, we will work to position ourselves relative to the fleet and focus more on sailing shifts. Once the race has progressed and positions get established, we will then slowly shift to focusing on the boats just ahead and behind us to either make gains or protect our position.
Likewise, how do you expect the tactics employed in fleet racing will play out among the crew in the fleet racing?
Peter: The tactics I expect to see by the teams for the fleet racing will be mostly focused on positioning, speed, and sailing shifts. Once teams get a feel for their relative speed compared to the other boats, their tactics will likely change to either minimize losses, or capitalize on their advantages.
How is Team Alinghi preparing for the fleet racing competition in Acts 1, 2, 3?
Peter: We will prepare for the fleet racing in all the same ways we prepare for match racing - by practicing time and distance for being on the line at speed at the starts, straight line speed, height mode, footing mode, and manoeuvers. The one aspect that will not come into play will be the prestart manouevering and fighting for control that we practice for match racing.
How will the weather/wind conditions affect the fleet racing in Marseille?
Peter: The weather will likely affect the speed of the different boats competing in Marseille. Some of the teams will be using older version boats and the speed differences will show most during either lighter or stronger wind speeds.
What are your overall expectations for the fleet racing aspect of the upcoming Acts?
Peter: Adding fleet racing to the Acts is a good thing. Although we love match racing, we also enjoy fleet racing and it will be a great spectacle to see all the IACC boats on the line at the same time.
Visit the official Alinghi web site.
