Matt Cassidy chomping at the bit

Chicago, IL (June 10, 2016) – ORACLE TEAM USA crew member Matt Cassidy spent six years sailing in Chicago and the mid-west and now he is returning to familiar waters, but in an unfamiliar role, as a fully-fledged America’s Cup crew member.

Cassidy joined ORACLE TEAM USA following its America’s Cup win in San Francisco in 2013. After making an impression during try-outs with the team, Cassidy signed up full-time and has relocated to Bermuda.

While he often sails with the team during testing and training on its AC45S boats in Bermuda, he has never raced with the team in an event, until now.

“This is my first time on the AC45F boat,” he says. “In New York, I had about 40 minutes of practice and that’s all the time I’ve had.”

Rules don’t permit teams to train outside the event period on the AC45F boats used on the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, so learning the ropes, so to speak, is a challenge.

“We’ve had podium finishes in every event, but haven’t won yet. I’m here to help the team win, but I also don’t want to be a reason why we lose.

“To be representing the team and my country in this event and to do it in Chicago where I spent the last six years living is awesome.”

Cassidy has been in demand in Chicago over the past week, even getting the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game last week.

But now his focus is firmly on the racing, starting with official practice racing on Friday.

“This is going to be my first chance on the boat and it’s going to be a steep learning curve but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Source: ORACLE TEAM USA