T-Systems Minute - 22 April 2007

In today's "T-Systems Minute" Marc Largesse, navigator of Team Shosholoza, describes the South African challenger's race against the Challenger of Record, BMW Oracle.

Shosholoza sailed remarkably well ahead and were leading the American challenger halfway through the middle of the race. Despite a problem with the spinnaker drop at the leeward gate, the South Africans rounded 21 seconds ahead of BMW Oracle.

Unfortunately, Chris Dickson and his crew powered away and managed to steal the lead, rounding the top mark 38 seconds ahead. Shosholoza fought back gybe after gybe in the last leg but was not able to reduce the gap.

"I think we tried to overcomplicate the leeward mark and that's why we lost the spinnaker. We led for more than half of the race and even when they overtook us we continued to attack. It was a great day. We didn't get the point but to lead for over two legs on a big superpower team like BMW ORACLE Racing is something we can all be proud of”, said sailing manager Paul Standbridge.


Video shot and produced by Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing