BMW Power Cup -- updated 18 Nov Nov 7, 19:09
As a welcome break from YC Tour posts, meanwhile back in Valencia....
55 drivers, mechanics, and others who were part of the BMW Power Cup in Valencia last week toured the new BMW ORACLE Base on Saturday morning. After arriving by bus they were guided to the third floor terrace where, with a sweeping view of the Port America's Cup, Grant "Guthrie" Davidson (our Base Operations and Logistics Manager) briefed them on AC history and the 32nd edition. Two short videos on BMWOR and the AC were shown in what soon will be the Marketing Team offices.
Then the guests were given an insiders' look through the boat sheds including USA 76 by Guthrie, shore team manager Tim Hacket, and sailors Carl Williams and David Brooke. The guests were keenly interested in the equipment and had many questions on design, technical and performance.
Perhaps the highlight of the tour was at the end when a few of the more courageous guests (anyone who would drive a motorbike around a track at breakneck speeds can't be too timid!) were hoisted up the mast by a few of their Power Cup mates who did the grinding.
In return, BMW ORACLE team members received tickets to the Valencia Moto GP. Another good "cross-over" event thanks to BMW's involvement in both motorsport and sailsport. Now how about a crossover with the BMW golfers!
P.S. Just received an email from Guthrie who says, "The day at the track was sensational. Everyone shared the passes for the paddock, the VIP village and we all got to the BMW hospitality. And thanks to our guys who gave up their time on a Saturday. And yes, bring on the golfers, and the courses!"
Video introduction to the Cup.
Boat shed tour with Tim Hacket, far right.
"Aboard" USA-76, partially in the shed.
Guthrie makes up a point after serving up
carbon sandwiches -- light fare but probably
not very tasty.
Bulbous inspections.
With help from Brookie, Johannes "Josh" Diemer straps on
the harness in preparation to go aloft.
Liftoff.
Grinding Josh up.
15 metres -- second spreader.
Keep grinding.
33 metres -- apogee.
BMW Power Cup colleagues watch from the safety of
the tarmac. "Leave him up there!"
Courageous Moto-GP physiotherapist, Agnes Poralla, boldly has a
go. Another of Brookie's nieces?
Happy conclusion to another successful BMW "crossover" from
motorsport to sailsport.
Postscript: new friends are made as Moto GP star Jeroen
Oudeman (NED) shares a beverage and war stories with
Guthrie, et al., in the BMW on-track hospitality tent after
the race on Sunday.
Chris Burgess (NZL, rig team), Ian Vickers (NZL, shore team),
Rolf Engelberts (NZL, shore team) and David Little (NZL, sail making
team) enjoying the BMW Power Cup hospitality.
Francesco Binetti Pozzi (ITA, design team) on a paddock walk-
about. Background left is multiple motoGP world champion
Valentino Rossi (white bike suit) heading into his garage.
55 drivers, mechanics, and others who were part of the BMW Power Cup in Valencia last week toured the new BMW ORACLE Base on Saturday morning. After arriving by bus they were guided to the third floor terrace where, with a sweeping view of the Port America's Cup, Grant "Guthrie" Davidson (our Base Operations and Logistics Manager) briefed them on AC history and the 32nd edition. Two short videos on BMWOR and the AC were shown in what soon will be the Marketing Team offices.
Then the guests were given an insiders' look through the boat sheds including USA 76 by Guthrie, shore team manager Tim Hacket, and sailors Carl Williams and David Brooke. The guests were keenly interested in the equipment and had many questions on design, technical and performance.
Perhaps the highlight of the tour was at the end when a few of the more courageous guests (anyone who would drive a motorbike around a track at breakneck speeds can't be too timid!) were hoisted up the mast by a few of their Power Cup mates who did the grinding.
In return, BMW ORACLE team members received tickets to the Valencia Moto GP. Another good "cross-over" event thanks to BMW's involvement in both motorsport and sailsport. Now how about a crossover with the BMW golfers!
P.S. Just received an email from Guthrie who says, "The day at the track was sensational. Everyone shared the passes for the paddock, the VIP village and we all got to the BMW hospitality. And thanks to our guys who gave up their time on a Saturday. And yes, bring on the golfers, and the courses!"
)
Video introduction to the Cup.)
Boat shed tour with Tim Hacket, far right.)
"Aboard" USA-76, partially in the shed.)
Guthrie makes up a point after serving upcarbon sandwiches -- light fare but probably
not very tasty.
)
Bulbous inspections.)
With help from Brookie, Johannes "Josh" Diemer straps onthe harness in preparation to go aloft.
)
Liftoff.)
Grinding Josh up.)
15 metres -- second spreader.)
Keep grinding.)
33 metres -- apogee.)
BMW Power Cup colleagues watch from the safety ofthe tarmac. "Leave him up there!"
)
Courageous Moto-GP physiotherapist, Agnes Poralla, boldly has ago. Another of Brookie's nieces?
)
Happy conclusion to another successful BMW "crossover" frommotorsport to sailsport.
)
Postscript: new friends are made as Moto GP star JeroenOudeman (NED) shares a beverage and war stories with
Guthrie, et al., in the BMW on-track hospitality tent after
the race on Sunday.
)
Chris Burgess (NZL, rig team), Ian Vickers (NZL, shore team),Rolf Engelberts (NZL, shore team) and David Little (NZL, sail making
team) enjoying the BMW Power Cup hospitality.
)
Francesco Binetti Pozzi (ITA, design team) on a paddock walk-about. Background left is multiple motoGP world champion
Valentino Rossi (white bike suit) heading into his garage.
by TFE
