Groupe Edmond de Rothschild skipper Pierre Pennec feels sorry for Emirates Team New Zealand damage
Emirates Team New Zealand, led by skipper Adam Beashel, had an accident when their boat broke as a result of a collision with France’s Groupe Edmond de Rothschild on Day 4 of 2011 Extreme Sailing Series Act 8. Skipper French team, Pierre Pennec is sorry
for the Kiwi team, as they were the cause of their damage.
The French team were behind the Kiwi team during the race on their way up to the top mark. They collided with Emirates Team New Zealand trying to bow down and get behind the Kiwis because there was not much room for a shift. As a result of the collision,
the Kiwi boat broke from behind and they were unable to participate anymore in the event.
Speaking to media about the incident, Pennec said, “Luna Rossa were on our right and we were trying to avoid the collision as much as we can, but Luna Rossa is not giving us any water and we can't avoid the contact with Emirates Team New Zealand.”
The French skipper added, “I went to discuss with CJ [Paul Campbell-James helmsman on Luna Rossa] when we were back on the pontoon because we are all making some mistakes on the water, but there is no point to break the boats. I'm not really happy and I'm
really sorry for Emirates Team New Zealand.”
Overall standings at the end of Day 4 at the port of Almeria:
1. Alinghi (SUI), Tanguy Cariou, Yann Guichard, Nils Frei, Yves Detrey = 187 points
2. Luna Rossa (ITA), Max Sirena, Paul Campbell-James, Alister Richardson, Manuel Modena = 169 points
3. Groupe Edmond de Rothschild (FRA), Pierre Pennec, Christophe Espagnon, Thierry Fouchier, Hervé Cunningham = 162 points
4. The Wave, Muscat (OMA), Leigh McMillan, Kyle Langford, Nick Hutton, Khamis Al Anbouri = 159 points
5. Oman Air (OMA), Ben Ainslie, Kinley Fowler, David Carr, Nasser Al Mashari = 157 points
6. Red Bull Extreme Sailing (AUT), Roman Hagara, Hans Peter Steinacher, Matt Adams, Craig Monk = 155 points
7. Team GAC Pindar (GBR), Ian Williams, Mischa Heemrskerk, Andrew Walsh, Brad Webb = 144 points
8. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Adam Beashel, Ray Davies, Jeremy Lomas, Derek Seward = 142 points
9. Team Extreme (EUR), Roland Gaebler, Nahid Gaebler, Antón Paz, Tom Buggy = 100 points
10. Niceforyou (ITA), Alberto Barovier, Stefano Rizzi, Daniele De Luca, Simone de Mari = 94 points
11. Team TILT (SUI), Alex Schneiter, Boet Brinkgreve, Charles Favre, Nicolas Heintz = 93 points
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