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. Cameron Appleton the permanent fixture as the team’s pro sailor, they have an impressive history in the fleet as five times fleet racing champions and three times 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.”
Impressively owner Chris Bake, tactician Cameron Appleton, main trimmer Andy Estcourt have all sailed together on Team Aqua for 16 years.
Crew:
Chris Bake (NZL) - Owner / Driver
Cameron Appleton (NZL) - Tactician
Andrew Estcourt (NZL) - Main trimmer
Christian Kamp (DEN) - Headsail Trimmer
Rebecca Coles (GBR) / Grace Bake (USA/NED) - Offside Trimmer
Jonas Hviid-Nielsen (DEN) - Pit
Hans-Christian Rosendahl (DEN) / 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)
