Sailing: Faltering Frostad turns to Baird
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE AMERICAN Ed Baird is to join the Norwegian boat Innovation Kvaerner in a change of crew for the remaining four legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race.
The skipper, Knut Frostad, who has seen his boat slip to fifth overall after being the leader following the first two legs, is seeking to bring stability and a new strategy to the crew.
"We have realised that we need to modify our strategy as well as improve the decision making," he said yesterday as the fleet prepared for Saturday's start of the 4,750-mile sixth leg from Sao Sebastiao in Brazil to Fort Lauderdale in Florida. "Last but not least we need to strengthen the tactical competence on board."
Baird, a professional yachtsman, is best known for his America's Cup sailing, having coached the New Zealand team to victory in the 1995 series.
The man making way for him is Frenchman Pierre Mas. "I am sad I had to make this decision," Frostad said, "but things did not work as well as expected between Pierre and me."
Paul Standbridge will learn his fate when Dennis Conner, the syndicate head of Toshiba, flies in to Brazil tomorrow. Toshiba was stripped of 65 points from the fifth leg for illegally using her engine to remove weed from the propeller and Standbridge, the skipper, may well carry the can.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments