TEAM AQUA

Hull Number: 28
Boat Owner: Chris Bake (NZL)
Tactician: Cameron Appleton (NZL)

Chris Bake’s Team Aqua has been one of the leading forces behind the RC44 ever since its launch in 2007. With Cameron Appleton as the team’s permanent pro sailor, they boast an impressive history in the fleet as five-time fleet racing champions and three-time match racing champions.

“The RC44 is very elegant and was ahead of its time,” explains Bake. “We can race it well in 5 knots or 25 knots. It has all the tweaky things like the trim tab that we can thank Russell for. For owner-drivers, it is thrilling to sail and a delight and—at times—a challenge to steer. But best of all, you get to experience grand prix racing at its highest level, sailing with some of the world’s top crew, but with costs controlled: It is a strict one-design, numbers of pro sailors and new sails are limited, plus the boat was designed to fit into a standard 40ft container for easy shipping.”

In the 2024 season, Team Aqua continued to show their competitive edge, securing a fourth-place finish at the 44Cup Calero Marinas and delivering consistent performances throughout the year. Impressively, owner Chris Bake, tactician Cameron Appleton, and main trimmer Andy Estcourt have now sailed together on Team Aqua for 16 years, a testament to the team’s strong camaraderie and experience.

Crew:

Chris Bake (NZL) - Owner / Driver
Cameron Appleton (NZL) - Tactician
Andrew Estcourt (NZL) - Main trimmer
Aaron Cooper (GBR) - Headsail Trimmer
Sara Stone (USA) / Grace Bake (USA/NED) - Offside Trimmer
Jonas Hviid-Nielsen (DEN) - Pit
Scott Ewing (USA) / Andrew Bake (USA/NED) - Grinder
Matt Cassidy (USA) - Bow

Shore Team

Coach : Andrew Palfrey (AUS), Video & data: Freddy Shanks (GBR)
Boat Captain : Aaron Cooper (GBR)
Shore team : Gary Stones (GBR)