Team pleased with USA 17’s early performance.

USA-17 took to the water off Valencia for her first sea trials yesterday in something close to perfect conditions. The new Reichel/Pugh design is a close sister to the New Zealand-built Artemis with whom she shares a common sail programme. USA-17 is scheduled to be worked up off Valencia prior to racing in the Audi MedCup Circuit Marseilles leg where we believe Russell Coutts and James Spithill and other members of BMW Oracle Racing will constitute a formidable crew.

After the initial shakedown of the new TP 52 on Thursday in Valencia, the BMW ORACLE Racing sailing team put the brand new race boat through the paces on Friday and Saturday with stablemate Artemis.

With James Spithill driving USA 17 and John Kostecki at the helm of Artemis on Friday, the two Reichel/Pugh designed boats had their first line-up in 18 knots of breeze.

“The boat looks promising,” said USA 17’s sailing team project manager Michele Ivaldi (ITA). “We were competitive against Artemis in 18 knots with waves so we are pleased with USA 17’s early performance.”