Hamilton (Bermuda). With preparations for the 35th
America’s Cup in full swing, ORACLE TEAM USA and skipper Jimmy
Spithill received a visit from a big name from the world of
motorsport: BMW works driver Alessandro Zanardi visited the team
base in Bermuda. The Italian experienced the “flight over water” of
the OTUSA “AC-50” high-tech yacht “17” as it completed a high-speed
training session off the coast of Bermuda.
“Whilst you may refer to this yacht as a ‘boat’, I see it more as a
plane – this yacht can really fly. The day on this race yacht was a
fantastic experience, and I am very grateful to Jimmy and his crew for
accepting me into their ranks,” said Zanardi. “That was one of the
most breath-taking experiences of my life, and I have experienced
quite a lot. I would like to thank BMW for this unique opportunity! To
spend a day as a member of ORACLE TEAM USA was something very special
for me. Jimmy Spithill is a true legend and I have always been a big
fan of what these sailing teams are doing. It demands maximum physical
effort from every single crew member – as intensive as an athlete at
the Olympic Games. I am very impressed. You can feel the same
dedication and attention to even the finest details as in motorsport.”
“It was great fun having Alex on board as a crew member today. His
reaction was just pure delight. He loved it,” said skipper Jimmy
Spithill. “Although we compete in different sports, we still have a
lot in common. Technology, innovation and precision – they are the key
in motorsport and competitive sailing. It was very interesting to chat
to him about the similarities between our sports. Alex is a true
inspiration to any athlete. What I admire most about him is what he
achieved after his crash. It did not mean the end of his career, but
instead took it to a new level. Not only did he continue as a racing
driver after the crash, but he also became a Paralympic champion. I
don’t think anybody else has achieved that. He is living proof that
you can achieve anything if you have the determination, enthusiasm
and, above all, passion. That is precisely our approach to the
America’s Cup.”
The innovative steering wheel on the ORACLE TEAM USA catamaran, “17”,
was developed by engineers at BMW Motorsport who also design the
steering wheels for Zanardi’s BMW racing cars. The Italian had both
legs amputated following a serious crash during a race in 2001. His
BMW race cars are adapted to his particular needs using special
modifications. For example, the BMW Motorsport engineers have
developed technically sophisticated steering wheels, which allow
Zanardi to control the cars predominantly using his hands. As a
result, when it comes to handling, speed and performance, he need not
settle for anything less than his fully able-bodied competitors. The
expertise of the BMW Motorsport engineers in the development of this
and other race steering wheels has now been incorporated in the design
of the steering wheel on the OTUSA catamaran, “17”.
BMW Brand Ambassador Zanardi is an inspiration and idol to his fans
around the world. Despite having had both legs amputated, he has not
only enjoyed success in motor racing, but also as a para-athlete. He
currently has no fewer than four Paralympic gold medals and has won
eight world championship titles on his handbike. He is also passionate
about water sports: Zanardi has a yachtmaster ocean licence and often
takes to the water.
The 35th America’s Cup regattas take place from
16th May to 27th June 2017 on the “Great Sound”,
a natural sailing stadium off the coast of Bermuda.
When Legends Meet: Zanardi’s visit to ORACLE TEAM USA on video.
You can find a film with impressive footage of Zanardi’s trip with
ORACLE TEAM USA on the America’s Cup catamaran, “17”, at the following
link: https://youtu.be/CyKNnaYe7U0