J.P. Morgan BAR to expect the unexpected from Russian Extreme 40 debut

by Sarah Alexander 25 Jun 2014 15:48 BST 26-29 June 2014

The British team J.P. Morgan BAR took their first race win on day 3 of the Land Rover Extreme Sailing Series Act 3 Qingdao, for the 'Double Star Mingren' Cup © Lloyd Images

Act 4 - ?Saint Pe?tersburg? offers ?a stunni?ng backd?rop for ?the extr?eme raci?ng © Saint Pe?tersburg

After the intensity and challenge of Act 3 – Qingdao, China, J.P. Morgan BAR gear up for Act 4 – Saint Petersburg, in what looks to be the tightest, closest, most Extreme Sailing Series venue of the 2014 circuit.

With cool temperatures, light winds and a strong tidal current forecast for the four days of racing, the British entry will be pushed to the limit, the conditions demanding the utmost focus from the team.

The venue is only 300 metres wide at its narrowest point, and the Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) tactician, Paul Goodison, will be under pressure from the technical challenges of the compressed race track.

"We have to expect the unexpected. The picture will change very quickly here in Saint Petersburg and the crews that can react quickly and smoothly to that change will be the teams that sail through the fleet," commented Goodison.

"It will require really good, clear communication all the way from the back to the front of the boat to ensure we are all on the same page at all times."

A change of crew brings new strength in the form of ISAF Youth Worlds gold medallist, Phil Sparks. Sparks replaces Pippa Wilson for the event as she continues to focus on her Rio 2016 Nacra 17 campaign.

"I have never raced on the Extreme Sailing Series circuit before, so this is great experience for me and a huge honour to sail with Ben [Ainslie], Paul [Goodison] and the team.

From what I have seen so far, the series never produces a dull race, so it will be another tricky, challenging event and I hope I can bring a new perspective and fresh energy on to the race course."

The City, one of three new venues on the international circuit, offers a beautiful setting for the thirteen Extreme 40 teams to go head-to-head in what will undoubtedly be an unpredictable event.

Today, a practice day for all teams, offers a taster into the unique demands that will be placed on the sailors.

"Today's training session is an important one for us, it gives us the opportunity to come together on the water for the first time since Qingdao to try and get a hold on what's in store," explained J.P. Morgan BAR Bowman, Matt Cornwell.

"It is another new venue for us all and tonight we will really study the weather forecast and the tidal conditions so we are as prepared as we can be," he continued.

"It is our fourth event, the half way stage of the series, so now it is all about turning things around, getting the points in and hopefully finishing the event with our first podium position."

The racing will be streamed live, with commentary, on jpmorganbarblog.com from the 27th June, from 1600-1730 local time in Saint Petersburg, 1300-1430 BST / 1400-1530 CEST.