With Liv Mackay driving, the new combination Live Ocean Racing team featuring Leonard Takahashi on bow and Oscar Gunn as main trimmer, were hampered by an equipment issue which saw them drop some positions during race 2 and then miss race 3. But they bounced back with two top three placings to round out day one.
Their results included a 4th and a 6th before the DNS, coming back with a 2nd and a 3rd.
Liv Mackay says it was a fun day on the water, and no easy start for team member Oscar Gunn who’s a first timer in the ETF26. Mar Menor turned on a NE breeze of 12-15 knots.
“It was a baptism of fire for Oscar. We blew up our board-down strop in the second race, before the finish, so a couple of boats came passed us and we missed the third race unfortunately. But good hustle from the guys, and we came back for a 2 and 3,” says Mackay.
Day one of the 2024 season indicated that competition in the ETF26 fleet is tougher than ever, with a strong start from the Frank Cammas helmed Entreprises du Morbihan (FRA) claiming four race wins and the early lead by a clear margin.
Behind them, new-comer to the fleet this year Team Rockwool Racing 1 (DEN), with SailGP Denmark skipper Nicolai Sehested driving, is on equal points with Orient Express L’Oreal Racing Team (FRA) helmed by Manon Audinet.
Tomorrow’s schedule includes another five races on what will be day 2 of 4 in the regatta.
Live Ocean Racing day one results: (provisional after day one)
Race 1 – 4TH
Race 2- 6TH
Race 3 – DNS
Race 4 – 2TH
Race 5 – 3TH
Overall position: 4TH
Racing runs over four days from April 16-19, 2024.
How to follow the action; @itsliveocean on Instagram for Live Ocean Racing updates
2024 Events for Live Ocean Racing
April 16-19, GP Mar Menor, Mar Menor (Spain)
May 22-25, GP Hyères, Hyères (South of France)
June 26-29, Foiling Week, Malcesine (Italy)
About Live Ocean Racing
Live Ocean Racing is a New Zealand racing team committed to action for the ocean. Established by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, Live Ocean Racing will bring together a talented and diverse team to compete at the highest level. With innovation and purpose baked into our DNA, we race on and for the ocean.
