Skimming the surface
Three-time world champion skim boarder Lucas Fink stares down some of the world’s biggest swell on a regular basis. And as a resident of Nazare, Portugal – one of the capitals of big wave surfing – it takes a lot to impress the Brazilian-born Lucas.
But on Monday, he was thoroughly amazed – “blown away” even – by his experience out on the water with Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
“That was just epic out there,” said Lucas. “Going on the water to watch the team up close, that’s when my mind was blown. Just seeing the boat flying like that, barely touching the water. We were having a tough time just keeping up with them in the chase boat and that was even in lighter winds.”
After arriving at the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team base, Lucas had some company throughout the morning. Shore team members Elliot “Pilly” Pilcher and Matthieu Van de Voorde, who are themselves avid surfers, accompanied Lucas for part of his visit and a tour of the mast shed.
“The guy is incredible with what he can do out on the skimboard,” said Pilly, who is a hydraulic technician with the team. “It’s great to have the opportunity to show an athlete like that a bit of our world of technology and high performance.”
Lucas was the first surfer ever to skim board the massive waves in Nazare. As a skim boarder and surfer who plies his trade in ocean waters, Lucas had prepared for this visit to Barcelona by watching videos and following Alinghi Red Bull Racing on social media. But what he saw in person was beyond his expectations.
“I knew the boats were huge and the team base would be amazing, but as I stand here talking, I see such energy and enthusiasm,” said Lucas. “People are mesmerized, and everyone is around taking pictures. It exceeded all my expectations.”
Before dock-out, the 25-year-old rang the ceremonial bell to signify the boat’s departure “I’m inspired by the work of Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Dream big!” wrote Lucas in the official visitor's logbook for those who ring the bell.
“If you’re just a little bit of a fan of the ocean, waves, water and surfing, watch some of the videos and you’ll be impressed,” said Lucas. “Those videos are amazing but seeing it up close is even better.”
If seeing is truly believing, then in this case, seeing the AC75 by riding alongside gives you that true America’s Cup feeling.
