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Martin Tasker at the Med Cup -
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I really had a hunch about today's racing. Seriously. No
kidding.
I really did have a feeling that
Emirates Team New Zealand would reel off three in a
row . Of course I didn't say it out loud. I'm superstitious
enough to worry that actually articulating such a prediction would
put a hex on the hat-trick.
I didn't even venture to say it when they went two up. And I felt my silence was vindicated when they trailed the front-runners for three of the four legs of race three.
That said I did hold back from composing the piece-to-camera or link with which I intended to finish my report for One News until the run for home. At the turn ETNZ had slipped into second place and looked prepared to pounce on the Russian boat Synergy which had led all the way.
As the boats ran down to the line in glorious late afternoon sunshine, the Kiwis big red kite gradually hauled in the Russians and rolled right over them. It was thrilling to watch but the resulting lead was very slender with the roles now reversed and Synergy in a position to roll right back.
Smooth response
It all came down to the final gybe under pressure. The Russians went first and their execution let them down. The Kiwi crew responded smoothly and managed to accelerate just enough to slide over the line just one second in front.
And that is the crucial point. A clean sweep sounds like the Kiwis were comfortable winners. In reality, the racing is incredibly close and one mistake can have devastating consequences.
First back to the dock, the Team NZ crew headed for the weigh-in and by the time they'd done that the other boats were in. As Dean Barker made his way back to NZL380 and it was good to see the sportsmanship amongst the crews, everyone offering their congratulations on the 3-0 score.
As ever, though, the skipper wasn't getting carried away knowing full well it could all turn to custard on Day two. There's no obvious reason why it should: the boat is on the pace - most often setting it - and the crew work is slick. I have my own views on how they will go tomorrow - but they better remain my own just in case...
Look out for Martin Tasker's daily reports from the Med Cup here at tvnz.co.nz
