Involved in the RC 44 Championship Tour since 2007, Team Aqua has won its fourth RC 44 Championship Tour in a row. A remarkable achievement for team owner Chris Bake, tactician Cameron Appleton and the entire team.
December 3, 2014 – Chris Bakes’ Team Aqua has just accomplished one of sailing’s greatest achievements in 2014, winning the RC 44 Championship Tour for the fourth consecutive year. Team Aqua’s opponents are no les than Terry Hutchinson, Iain Percy, Mathieu Richard, Tom Slingsby, Nathan Outteridge, Vasco Vascotto or Ed Baird, to name a few…
’It has been another fantastic year for us‛, admits team owner Chris Bake. ’We’ve managed to remain consistent throughout the year, and to keep our heads down when things didn’t work the way we wanted, like in Sotogrande. It is harder every year to remain at the top in this class, as the other teams become more competitive. I consider it a privilege to still be there, and to sail with great people like Cameron Appleton and all the members of our team!‛
A founding member of the RC 44 Class, Bake’s Team Aqua has won the Championship Tour for the first time in 2007, and then back-to-back in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
’The end of the season is always a good time to look back at what we have achieved and to reflect on what our team is all about‛, says team manager Cameron Appleton. ’For me, the last few years have been hugely successful and when I look back, I can see many great moments and achievements. It’s really pleasing!‛
Appleton attributes the team’s success to the ’fantastic group‛ he has developed around owner Chris Bake. ’It’s a very strong, and united group‛, he says. ’Matt Cassidy on the bow, Ben Graham grinding, Andy Estcourt at the main, and Chris Noble have been members of this team for many years. They are all key to our success. We’ve also benefited a lot from our coach Brett Jones, who’s helped us get to top speed. Per Andersson, from North Sails, was also instrumental and contributed a lot to our excellent speed, especially downwind.‛
Unlike last year, the team didn’t manage to win both the fleet and match race titles this year, the latter going to Synergy Russian sailing Team, helmed by Ed Baird. ’Every day you go out sailing you get reminded how hard it is…‛, says Appleton. ’I think we sailed very well this year, but Synergy simply outsailed us. They fully deserved to win the match race title and I am happy for them.‛
In 2014, Team Aqua has once again given the opportunity to young sailors to compete at the highest level thanks to their youth program, developing a great network of young, passionate and competent sailors worldwide.
The team carries the colours of the World Land Trust and 2041. The World Land Trust is an international conservation charity that works to preserve rainforests and other threatened wildlife habitat. The World Land Trust also participates actively in raising awareness and improving understanding of the importance of wilderness conservation through education and information programs.
2041 is an organisation founded by polar explorer, environmental leader and public speaker Robert Swan, OBE, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South poles, and dedicated to the protection of the poles. Team Aqua offsets its carbon footprint and promotes sustainable development by following the challenges set by 2041.
Team Aqua will once again compete in the RC 44 Championship Tour 2015, with competitive objectives although Chris Bake won’t be able to attend all events due to other commitments. ’It’s always a challenge to find the right balance between work, family and sport‛, he confesses. ’It will also be nice to make different experiences next year, and to change a little bit from our routine although I remain fully committed to the RC 44 class.‛
Team Aqua members:
Chris Bake, owner & helmsman
Cameron Appleton, tactician, helmsman and project manager
Matt Cassidy, Bowman
Andrew Estcourt, Mainsheet trimmer
Ben Graham, Grinder
Chris Noble, Boat captain and offside trimmer
Jono Swain, Trimmer
Dylan Clarke, Shore team
Simon Johnson, Pitman
Brett Jones, Sail Design, Downwind Trimmer
Photos: ©Nico Martinez http://www.martinezstudio.es
