This is the future! — Holmatro

Holmatro go into the finale of the iShares Cup in fourth place, but are determined to finish in the chocolates! “We are only two points behind BT, so we go for a podium finish in Amsterdam,” said Holmatro tactician Mischa Heemskerk.

“Kiel was one of the best iShares Cup series so far,” said Holmatro skipper Andreas Hagara. “The location was perfect and we had great sailing conditions. The first day was a bit of a lottery with the light and shifty breeze, but [on the final day] we had 12 to 15 knots.

“I think about 80,000 people in total came to watch the series in Kiel. It was a fantastic show. They all cheered for us. Sailing has many different disciplines and I think the Extreme 40 class is the best one. It brings racing close to the cities and the spectators. The concept works for everyone. The sponsor gets a good return in terms of coverage, the sailors can do what they like to do and the crowd seems to like it.”

Heemskerk agreed: “This is the future of our sport. For us it is a pleasure to compete in a series like the iShares Cup. At the bottom mark close to the shore, I pull twice as hard on the sheet if I hear the crowd cheering for us. It was a fantastic event with three days of spectacle.”

BT, skippered by Nick Moloney, are currently in third place overall on 25 points, ahead of Holmatro on 23. Behind them in fifth place Oman Sail, skippered by Pete Cuing, are on 21 points, with Round 1 winner Shirley Robertson and JPMorgan Asset Management on 20. There are 10 points available at the finale, which takes place from 19-21st September in Amsterdam.