Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this latest report on Island sailor Leigh McMillan. In their own words. Ed
After missing the previous Act (Act4) of the 2013 series which was due to take place in Istanbul and was postponed due to the unrest in Turkey the Extreme 40s were back and raced to their peak in Porto, Portugal.
Ahead of racing, Series organisers OC Sport announced a global partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) with BLUE becoming an ‘Environmental Partner’ to OC Sport and its properties, including the Extreme Sailing Series. Historically and today, OC Sport’s projects have a strong link to water, whether they are taking place on the water or off water, and this new partnership is a natural fit for OC Sport and BLUE who are focused on the marine crisis facing our planet.
Nine races on opening day
Back to the racing, nine races were sailed in the open sea on the opening day of Act 5. Despite hydraulics problems for local Isle of Wight sailor Leigh McMillan and his team on The Wave, Muscat before racing the defending champions were up to speed, winning the opening race and then going on to a further three race wins staking an early lead in Porto.
Thirteen knots of breeze built to 15 knots for the final race giving all the teams a chance to show their strengths.
“A tough day with tight competition”
Each race lasted an average of 14 minutes in conditions Leigh relished,
“We had fantastic sailing today in great conditions so we’ve been able to really push the boats. It’s been a tough day with tight competition and we sailed well.”
Leigh and his crew on The Wave, Muscat ended the day with 78 points, with Realteam of Switzerland on 74 points and Alinghi also of Switzerland 66 points.
For the remaining days of the Act sailing moved into Stadium Racing style with SAP Extreme Sailing Team co-skipper Jes Gram Hansen describing this course as “one of the best racecourses I have ever sailed on”.
Stadium Racing
The Douro River provided the venue for the Stadium Racing where some teams thrived and others suffered within the confines of the tight racecourse, which is just 70 metres wide at its narrowest point.
In contrast to open water racing decisions had to be made in split seconds and manoeuvres executed smoothly, which Leigh McMillan did with precision, slowly extending his lead over the fleet.
Leigh said after racing,
“Our game plan was to try and start well, communicate well and it’s all about decision making. Making the right decision at the right time and taking the opportunities when they’re there. You have to be looking at the water as it’s changing all the time along with the tide and the wind so the game plan in terms of strategy changes every race.”
The Wave, Muscat extended her lead with points standing at 145. Alinghi overtook Realteam with their points showing as 134 and 124 respectively.
Battles on the water between all the teams but especially between The Wave, Muscat and Alinghi continued for the rest of the Act. After 30 races it came down to the wire between The Wave, Muscat and Alinghi in the final double pointer with just three points separating two of the most experienced teams on the circuit. Impeccable boat handling from McMillan and a win in the final race – their tenth of this Act – ultimately saw the Omani team claim a deserved win.
Porto is the third Act win this season for Leigh and his crew Peter Greenhalgh, Hashim al Rashidi, Musab al Hadi and Ed Smyth following victories in Oman and Qingdao. This result leaves them tied on points with Alinghi at the top of the overall Series leaderboard on 36 points.
Positions for this Act were:
1st The Wave, Muscat (OMA) 248 points.
2nd Alinghi (SUI) 235 points.
3rd Realteam (SUI) 223 points.
4th SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) 214 points.
With four Acts now complete and four Acts to go, the Series is at its halfway stage and next heads to the Welsh capital Cardiff over the August bank holiday weekend where they will be hosted by the Cardiff Harbour Festival, 23-26 August.
Image: © Extreme 40 Sailing Series
