iShares Cup

For the first time in its class history eight Extreme 40s, the biggest fleet to date, gathered to compete in the iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week from 3-5 August on the Solent waters just off the Isle of Wight, UK. British powerhouse team Basilica, skippered by Rob Greenhalgh, was leading the four event series, winning 10 of 15 races at each of the previous two events and is fast becoming the favourite for the overall iShares Cup title. Day One of the iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week brought glamorous sailing conditions to the Solent with the drama and action of Extreme 40 racing unfolding in a series of soaring hulls, damaged boats and heartbroken sailors. The eight-boat fleet kept the crowds basking in the British sunshine along the shore fully entertained throughout the five high-octane races. British team Basilica maintained their domination of the fleet in the 10-15 knots of wind. Following six races in 8-12 knots of wind and a punching tide, Basilica remained in pole position at the iShares Cup, Skandia Cowes Week, boasting a healthy lead over the eight boat Extreme 40 fleet at the close of day two of racing. Day two saw several boats shine with Shirley Robertson's JPMorgan Asset Management slipping into the top three and Nick Moloney's BT getting comfortable in second overall. On home waters, British team Basilica won the iShares Cup at Skandia Cowes Week (3-5 August) with a race to spare, bringing their tally to three wins in the overall iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series. The heavy-hitting team skippered by Robert Greenhalgh and crewed by Peter Greenhalgh, James Grant and Justin Slattery finished ahead of BT helmed by Darren Bundock and skippered by Nick Moloney who not only took second at this penultimate event but moved into third place in the iShares Cup overall series.