Big guns flex
America’s Cup ‘Dream Team’ Ready to Catapult on Euroflex SuperFoiler.
Photography by Beau Outteridge
20 December 2017
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They’ve been dubbed the “Dream Team” and today a powerhouse trio boasting 24 world championships between them christened their Euroflex SuperFoiler – the machine many believe will propel them to victory in this summer’s SuperFoiler Grand Prix.
Glenn Ashby has had a remarkable 12 months, skippering Emirates Team New Zealand to victory in the America’s Cup as well as being named Australian Sailor of the Year. The Victorian wants to continue winning in 2018 – and is eager to do so on home shores.
“Being able to race back home in summer was too hard to ignore. It is going to be bloody fun, but also physically challenging,” said Ashby.
The Euroflex SuperFoiler is further bolstered by the addition of Olympic Gold medallists and America’s Cup campaigners Iain Jensen and Nathan Outteridge – who make this formidable line-up a salivating prospect.
“If we hadn’t sailed the America’s Cup boats I would be petrified. You are just on the trapeze ready to get catapulted,” said Nathan Outteridge, “There is expectation on our shoulders, but at the same time it is a massive learning moment – this is the 18-footer on steroids.”
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The sky-blue livery of Euroflex is perfectly suited for a machine threatening to take off into orbit and having been the first SuperFoiler to crack the 65km/h barrier when they were ‘holding back’ Euroflex’s reputation as the team to catch is swelling by the hour.
“Euroflex makes the hard jobs simple. Already our crew on board the Euroflex SuperFoiler are making the incredibly difficult look effortless. I think that is a wonderful omen for sensational performances across the circuit,” said Euroflex’s Australian CEO Graham Dunlop.
SuperFoiler COO Jack Macartney is also surprised by how quickly the Euroflex trio have mastered the machines. “Given the SuperFoiler has parallels to flying many have christened the sailors, ‘pilots’, but after seeing the Euroflex trio in action I think it’s not a stretch to call these blokes aquatic astronauts – they really are ready to blast off.”
The Euroflex and Kleenmaid will be joined by four other SuperFoilers set to be launched in time for a 2018 summer Grand Prix circuit. All six machines will be vying for glory and the storied Ben Lexcen Trophy – which will be presented to the boat with the highest cumulative total after the five regattas.
The racing will be livestreamed on Plus7 with immersive post produced coverage airing on 7mate. Channel 7 will also air a half an hour special on the SuperFoiler journey on 26 December as part of their Sydney to Hobart race coverage.
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Too close for comfort
