Greek Challenge scores historic victory in Louis Vuitton Pacific Series 

Auckland, NZ - A new chapter in sailing history was written on Saturday on the waters of Auckland’s harbor. For the first time ever, a Greek team won a race in a sailing event of America's Cup level. Despite lacking the years of experience in the America’s Cup and the world match racing circuits, Greek Challenge beat Shosholoza, a South African team whose afterguard is composed of Italian match race champions.

With a brisk southwestern breeze and two aggressive match racers, Gavin Brady and Paolo Cian, the prestart was guaranteed to be spectacular and close. And so it did. Not only did Brady manage to put a hold on the ambitions of the Italian match race champion, he also forced him to receive a penalty for a classic port-starboard incident.  

Once the Greek boat crossed the starting line ahead and clear of Shosholoza, the key was to keep them close, whether they were behind or ahead. And this is what Gavin Brady did. Paolo Cian threw a fierce tacking duel in the first beat but Greek Challenge on NZL-92 replied perfectly, rounding the first weather mark 30 seconds ahead of Shosholoza.

In the first run, Paolo Cian put even more pressure on the Greeks, pushing them to the right side of the course but again the Greek-Kiwi crew showed its ever improving skills, despite having sailed on America’s Cup yachts for less than 2 weeks. Yet, Shosholoza managed to reduce the Greek lead and rounded the leeward gate 21 seconds behind them.

In the second beat, and with a penalty on his shoulders, Cian had no option but try to stay far from the Greeks. While the Greek boat opted for the right side, Shosholoza distanced itself by some 800 meters at times, hoping to take advantage of a slight left shift and favorable tide. Nevertheless, once again, Greek Challenge did a good job and left Shosholoza no options for a recovery.

In the final beat Greek Challenge played it safe, stayed ahead and won the race with a 56-second lead.

With this victory, Greek Challenge is back at zero points. On Sunday, third day of the event, Greek Challenge has a bye. Another tough opponent expects the Greeks when they return on the water on Monday when Greek Challenge will have to face Luna Rossa.

Contact: Pierre Orphanidis, Email pierre@valenciasailing.com 

High resolution photos can be downloaded from the media gallery on www.greekchallenge.com