Spain strategist Nicole van der Velden has revealed the key moment of LA’s Final, which saw the young team secure its first ever event victory on the Port of Los Angeles.
Speaking on the latest episode of Reaching the Apex with SailGP reporter Lisa Darmanin, van der Velden pointed to the start as ‘the key to the race’. Despite crossing the line behind ROCKWOOL Denmark, Spain gained the all important inside track to Mark 1.
However, van der Velden also said the final leg of the race, which saw Spain match race ROCKWOOL Denmark tack by tack, was crucial.
Van der Velden reflected on her own role in this strategic moment, which was ‘just matching the Danish and letting Diego know when they were tacking and what [Danish driver Nicolai Sehested] was up to.’
Reaching the milestone of winning a first event rendered the team ‘speechless’, she added. “It’s amazing for the team and very motivating.”
Reaching the Apex is sponsored by financial services provider, Apex Group, which has teamed up with SailGP to drive equity for female progression in male dominated environments.
