At the third event in the America's Cup World Series held in San Diego, Energy Team finished twice on the leaderboard. The Peyron brothers' French Team, for which Corum is Official Timekeeper, came second in the Match Racing Championship and third in the Fleet Race that closed the event.
With its two finals wins in the America's Cup World Series finals, Energy Team is actively vying with the favourites of the circuit – to the delight of Corum and its guests who were invited to follow the races in the Californian Bay and to enjoy an exclusive evening. Assembled for a prestigious dinner at the Hotel Andaz on Wednesday evening, Tourneau's guests were introduced to Corum's know-how through the collection's elegance, value and design, as well as the longstanding connection between the brand and the sailing world. Energy Team members chose to celebrate the day's victory by joining Corum for the evening. The American and Mexican press met on Thursday at the same venue to enjoy fine dining while listening to a presentation about the brand, its history, its collection and its strategy.
Commenting on the wins, Corum's CEO Antonio Calce said: “I am thrilled by Energy Team's excellent result in San Diego. It gives all Corum personnel a great sense of pride to see our name and our Corum key, the brand emblem, enjoying such impressive visibility on the wing and sails of the catamaran! We are thereby not only conveying our brand image worldwide through associating with this prestigious competition, but also the name of La Chaux-de-Fonds and the origins of Swiss watchmaking. I congratulate all team members for this excellent performance and extend my hearty encouragement for the next event.”
In addition to this achievement, Energy Team treated itself to a facelift of its catamaran for the Californian event – a streamlined and dynamic design that helped propel the French team into the top three.
ENERGY TEAM TAKE SECOND PLACE
Energy Team were defeated 2-0 in the final, which saw them up against the American defender Oracle led by James Spithill. The French team therefore ends up in second place in the San Diego Match Racing Championship. The crew united around Yann Guichard, who is replacing Loïck Peyron, has made steady progress throughout the week and obtained a good set of results proving that they are capable of competing alongside the top teams. On Sunday, the big fleet race will close this third America's Cup World Series event.
It was not that there were any bad decisions taken aboard the French boat, but the crew led by James Spithill had a perfect race keeping their rival in check. Energy Team, led by Yann Guichard, has therefore taken second place on the podium, a fine reward for the French, who shone throughout the week and have managed to compete with the best.
Yann Guichard (FRA), skipper of Energy Team (FRA):
"It was really difficult today, as the wind was extremely variable. We got off to a good start in the first race, but I made a mistake after that and they took advantage to overtake us. In the second duel, we didn't have any possibility of getting back in the game. Jimmy was the best today, but I'm quite pleased. We worked well throughout the week and remained constant in our performance. I'm very happy to finish in second place in the Match Racing Championship. We surprised everyone and are making progress every day, which led us to being in the final today. The team has really done some excellent work."
Final rankings in the San Diego Match Racing Championship :
1. Oracle Racing Spithill
2. ENERGY TEAM
3. Emirates Team New Zealand
4. Artemis
5. Aleph
6. Oracle Racing Coutts
7. Team Korea
8. Green Comm Racing
9. China Team
Taken from the Press Release of Agence Mer & Média - 21st November 2011
ANOTHER PODIUM PLACE FOR ENERGY TEAM IN SAN DIEGO
Energy Team took third place on Sunday evening in the major fleet race, which closed this America's Cup World Series in San Diego. After coming second in the Match Racing Championship on Saturday, the French team has therefore reached the podium for a second time and ended this brilliant week in style. Always up there among the frontrunners, the crew led by Yann Guichard, who is currently replacing Loïck Peyron, has proved over and over again its ability to compete at the highest level with the leading players.
Finishing third behind Oracle Racing Spithill and Emirates Team New Zealand, meaning the French team can be very pleased with this excellent result obtained after a mighty battle.
Yann Guichard, (FRA): “I'm proud of our team and very pleased with the result, particularly as we have shown the other teams that we are a force to be reckoned with. We've still got a long way to
go to catch the top teams, but we are making progress every day and we'll be making the most of the four months without any competition to train to be in the best of shape for Naples.”
Bruno Peyron: “Energy Team has reached the podium for the first time and has just shown ahead of schedule that we are a force to be reckoned with for the Top 3. We managed to worry the best teams,
beating them and upsetting the hierarchy. We could not have dreamt of more than these two highly symbolic places on the podium in what has been a magnificent week for us in San Diego. I'm proud of
the whole team and of the work that has been done in such a short lapse of time, and proud of the way the group has worked and their attitude throughout, proud of the knowing smiles, which express
so much, of the tired and yet poised looks. If we manage to continue to apply the same rigorous approach and partners join us in our venture at the right time, anything is possible… Well done to
everyone!”
Results of the final fleet race, raced on Sunday 20th November
1. Oracle Racing Spithill
2. Emirates Team New Zealand
3. ENERGY TEAM
4. Aleph
5.Team Korea
6. Artemis
7. China Team
8. Green Comm Racing
9. Oracle Racing Coutts
