Game, set and tack

CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand had a special guest onboard today with New Zealand’s number one woman tennis player and world number 42 Marina Erakovic joining the team for a day out practicing on the water prior to the Lisbon in-port race.

Marina who has a long standing association with Emirates Team New Zealand physiotherapist Paul Wilson joined the team in Lisbon in between playing in the French Open last week and ahead of competing at Wimbledon later this month. With some recovery time on the cards she jumped at the opportunity to meet up with some fellow Kiwi athletes and to experience up close and personal a Volvo Open 70.

It was Marina’s first time out on a Volvo Open 70 and she came away impressed by her day on the water.

“It was really cool, just an amazing experience. I’ve never really done anything like this before and the four hours flew by really quick. The guys are just so professional and do such a great job. I was impressed.

“It’s just hectic aboard and everybody has a huge amount of work on their hands. The crazy thing is I’ve only seen four hours of this, I’ve got no idea how they do 30 days’ worth of it. Having seen the living quarters I don’t think there’s any way I’m going to be swapping tennis for ocean racing anytime soon even if things get really desperate.

“There might be a few of my competitors on the tennis circuit though who I might like to see do a leg or two but I’m not going to be naming names!

“Seriously though hats off to the guys they do an amazing job and I can’t even begin to comprehend how they do it. For me I’ve certainly taken onboard a few pointers that hopefully might improve my performance and it’s great to see such a professional sports team in action up close.

“It’s also just so nice to see some Kiwis and take a few days breaks from tennis. I don’t get to meet up with many other Kiwis when I’m away doing tournaments so it feels like I’ve gone home for a few days.”