Russian wins battle, Dutch win war

The final event of the 2022 44Cup circuit had nine teams competing December 7-11 in Muscat, Oman.

Russian Vladimir Prosikhin’s Team Nika got their first win of the season, but it was not enough to topple the dominant Charisma which took the overall title in the five event series. Led by Nico Poons (NED), their third place finish in Oman followed three consecutive victories, including the class’ World Championship in Portorož in October.

Poons was ably supported by his tactician Hamish Pepper; trimmers Chris Hosking, Ross Halcrow, and Dimitri Simmons; pitman Ryan Godfrey; grinder Robin Jacobs; bowman Ivan Peute; coach Morgan Reeser; boat captain Julian Hampe; and shore crew Sophie Heritage.

“It was just the experience of the team,” explained Hamish Pepper of their success. “We have been together for a few years now. We are just starting to sail the boat really well 99.9% of the time which gives me the opportunity to place the boat where I want to place it.”

Aside from a lowly eighth in an ultra-light race, Team Nika’s 44Cup Oman performance was exceptional. Their new British tactician Nick Asher has gelled well with the experienced team, despite having sailed with none of the crew before.

“It is really pleasant to sail with them and a nice atmosphere on board,” said Asher. “The first two days we weren’t looking for the best start but we were in the race and picked our way through.”

Series Information – Event Details – Results

2022 44Cup Schedule
February 9-13 – 44Cup Calero Marinas, Lanzarote
May 11-15 – 44Cup Cascais, Portugal
June 29-July 3 – 44Cup Marstrand, Sweden
October 12-16 – 44Cup World Championship Portoroz, Slovenia
December 8-11 – Muscat, Oman

About the RC44 boat
Five-time America’s Cup winner Russell Coutts conceived the design of the light-displacement, high-performance one-design RC44 with naval architect Andrej Justin in 2005.

Created for top level one design racing in international regattas under strictly controlled Class Rules, the concept and design features of the RC44 are aimed at the amateur helmsmen with professional crews. For its thirteenth season in 2019, the RC44 Championship Tour was rebranded the 44Cup. https://www.44cup.org/

Source: 44Cup