By Mal Butler
There are two proud yacht clubs and one proud dad on the Island after Sir Ben Ainslie’s crew lifted the Louis Vuitton Cup for the first time since 1964 to secure a place in this week’s America’s Cup.
Skipper Sir Ben is an Island resident and his team includes flight controller Leigh McMillan, who learned to sail at Yarmouth and Gurnard Sailing Clubs. While Yarmouth jeweller, Martin Gotrel, is cheering on his son, Matt, a cyclor (a crew member who provides hydraulic power to trim the sails by pedalling static bikes inside the hull), who was a member of Britain’s Olympic gold medal rowing eight at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Following their victory over Italian team, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, 7-4 in a closely contested series, the Ineos Britannia crew face defending champions, New Zealand, in the 37th running of the event, starting tomorrow (Saturday) in Barcelona.
Following their victory, Sir Ben, whose family home near Seaview is for sale, said: “It’s a huge moment for the team and we knew we were always going to be in for a massive battle against Luna Rossa, so hats off to them — they have been incredible competitors.
“To get to this point has taken ten years of hard work, so I’m incredibly proud of the team.”
Looking ahead to the final, Martin, who is hoping to be in Barcelona next week, has spoken to Matt and said: “Matt feels that the job is only part finished and the team are keeping their feet firmly on the ground, they are just concentrating on performing to the best of their ability to win the trophy.
“I visited Barcelona during the Louis Vuitton Cup but their boat was out of the water and being prepared. Now, I’m hoping to visit next week, but, depending on how the results go, the competition could be over in just a few days or go the whole distance!”
Talking about the racing competition, Leigh said: “Getting up on the foils is pretty exhilarating, suddenly the boats pick up a whole new level of speed. It makes them more difficult to sail; the boat handling is more awkward. All of the load is on two foils so you have to get everything right and it’s a big workout for the crew. You have to anticipate and make decisions about what you’re able to do physically.
“It’s a new dimension. The increased speeds, the sensation of flying above water, the noises all change, the whistling and humming. My role on-board has changed for this edition and it’s a very exciting time to be competing in the Cup right now.”
Isle of Wight Observer