“I headed straight to Miami from the SuperFoiler regatta in Busselton to sail an M32 in the North American Series, which I’m pleased to say we won,” said iD Intranet’s skipper Campbell-James, “Nobody enjoys sailing more than me. There was a little bit of frustration creeping in at the end of Busselton but I can’t wait to get down to Sydney and get seven solid days sailing in.”
The three-time British Champion has managed just six days at home in the United Kingdom with his family in seven weeks and the toll of being away from his loved ones has been weighing heavy for the America’s Cup sailor.
“It’s been hard to leave my girls for a big stint in Australia but what better place to go for a couple of months over the British winter,” said iD Intranet’s skipper, “Sydney is the most iconic sailing venue in Australia and pretty much the world, so who wouldn’t look forward to racing there.”
Securing the Ben Lexcen trophy would help validate that sacrifice. Sitting just nine points off the series lead the British helm believes improvement is needed to secure a successful end to the debut SuperFoiler season, “I don’t feel we’ve been too lucky since Adelaide but we also haven’t sailed that well either. We get a week with the boat on shore and a few valuable days training in Sydney prior to the regatta so that should help us perform better,” said the British sailor.
As one of only two skippers from outside Australia Campbell-James knows the home water advantage will count in the series decide, but that isn’t stemming his aspirations.
“Doing the circuit this year has been about learning as much as possible about these boats, putting on a good show and having a fun,” said iD’s skipper, “That said I’d not only like to get on the overall podium but I’d love to win in Sydney in one of the most iconic sailing spots in the world.”
The iD Intranet SuperFoiler will have a distinctly British feel with fellow America’s Cup powerhouse Ed Powys sailing with countryman "CJ" though Perth sailor and world champion Fang Warren adds a domestic touch.
“These boats are one of the best boats I’ve ever sailed upwind, they’re phenomenal,” said Campbell-James.
The Expr3ss! SuperFoiler Grand Final - Sydney will reach its epic conclusion on Sydney Harbour across Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of March 2018.
Championship Standings following the Busselton Regatta - Euroflex (19), Tech2 (17), Pavement (16), Record Point (12), iD Intranet (11) and Kleenmaid (10).