Sailing
Who will triumph at Red Bull Foiling Generation?
As the sailing contest final kicks off, we chat to British hopefuls Owen Bowerman and Morgan Peach.
Competitors race in two-person teams
© Onne van der Wal / Red Bull Content Pool
An epic sailing battle is about to commence across the pond as the Red Bull Foiling Generation World Final gets underway in Newport, Rhode Island, this weekend.
Now in its second season, Red Bull Foiling Generation sees sailors aged 16-20 race catamarans through the water at up to 35 knots.
The cutting-edge foiling technology is the same type used in the America’s Cup – and sees the boats completely lift out of the water.
The regatta will feature knockout heats
© Onne van der Wal / Red Bull Content Pool
Fifteen national champion teams from around the world have assembled for the World Final, which will run from October 21-23.
The unique regatta format will feature four-boat knockout heats where the top two teams automatically advance.
Among the two-person teams battling it out for victory are British sailors Owen Bowerman and Morgan Peach, who clinched victory at last year’s inaugural event and subsequently qualified for this year’s World Final.
British hopefuls Morgan Peach and Owen Bowerman
© Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool
RedBull.com caught up with Owen and Morgan as they touched down in Newport to find out about their hopes for the upcoming regatta, their top sailing spots – and how they cope with race day nerves.
It’s not long until the World Finals now. How are you both feeling?
Morgan: I’m pretty relaxed. I’m just looking forward to some racing. I also want to explore the city. I’ve never sailed in the US before and can’t wait!
Owen: There’s a really great atmosphere and I can’t wait to get out on the boat. The professional setup here is awesome. It's great to meet everyone who has won worldwide – I love racing against people I have respect for.
Competitors from 15 countries are aged 16-20
© Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool
What do you think your chances are?
Owen: I think if we stick to our race-by-race targets, we should get to the final. But anything can happen with this contest...
Morgan: It’s hard to call it because not many of us have sailed these boats before and we haven’t been able to see what everyone else is like. But we are confident in our own ability.
How have you stepped up your training to prepare for the contest?
Owen: I spent as much time in foiling catamarans as I could over the summer, and I've tried to put on a bit of weight so we can blast around a bit more.
Morgan: Lots of sailing, golf and eating the right food.
What goes through your mind on competition day?
Morgan: I don’t like thinking about the competition. I prefer to focus on the race just before getting on the boat. It’s nice to know that we can just rock up on the start line and give it our best, knowing that our event preparation has been on point.
Owen: I think through what my winning strategy will be on the racecourse and how best to execute that.
Sailors use America's Cup foiling technology
© Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool
Do you have any tips for anyone who struggles with race day nerves?
Owen: Remember why you enjoy the sport and focus on that!
Morgan: Keep yourself occupied – the less you think about the race, the better. That’s why an hour before the racing I’ll be more interested in the table football then the sailing...
What's your first memory of sailing?
Owen: Sailing off a beach with my Dad holding onto a bit of rope to stop me straying too far from shore!
Morgan: Sailing with my Dad in Torquay.
Where's your favourite place to sail?
Owen: Lake Garda.
Morgan: Torquay. It’s such a diverse place and has waves – you can learn everything there.
Red Bull Foiling Generation competitors
© Onne van der Wal / Red Bull Content Pool
Why do you love sailing so much – and why should others get involved?
Owen: I love the challenge of being the best sailor I can be. In the UK, the RYA have a great grassroots programme making it easy for people to turn up at their local club and learn about this awesome sport.
Morgan: It’s one of those sports where you can sail for eight hours and then the next day you can be sailing foiling Cats in 20 minutes races. There’s so much depth to the sport that I don’t think you can find anywhere else in the world.
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