An inside look at the preparations on race day and the families behind the team at INEOS TEAM UK by Georgie Ainslie.
The America’s Cup is not for the faint hearted, never was and never will be which is why we are so attracted to the challenge of it. If anyone is still left wondering, the reason we haven’t won in it as a nation in 170 years of trying is because it’s such a bloody big ask. That hasn’t stopped us trying again and again before and it won’t stop us now.
© Dan Wilko
In our team meeting this morning Grant, our CEO, made the point to the gathered troops that all of us are on this boat with our sailors and truly we are. That’s the same with any Cup team. Every single designer, engineer, shore and support crew, and family member is 100% in this together. That is what a great team is really all about, sticking together through good times and bad.
To be honest it’s a privilege to be part of a group like this one. No one has their heads down, unless they are wolfing down chef Nick and his kitchen team’s excellent canteen grub, and all of us are backing and supporting each other through this pretty painful time.
© Dan Wilko
Christmas Day will come at a good time here. It feels like everyone could do with some time out, however brief, and use it as a chance to reenergise and regroup and come back 24 hours later with fresh eyes and clear minds having had some good family time. Calling home helps and speaking to my Mum and Dad this morning on the way into the base this latest lockdown in the UK sounds as bad as the first which rather puts our issues here into perspective.
The wind may not be doing what we want it to today, but the sun is shining, and we are living free, unrestricted lives and for that we are very grateful.
By Georgie Ainslie