Puig Women’s America’s Cup – Day 1
by America’s Cup media 5 Oct 11:24 PDT
5 October 2024
Start of race 1 – Puig Women’s America’s Cup – Day 1, Group A – October 5, 2024 © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com
The beginning of the Puig Women’s America’s Cup marked the start of an exciting new chapter, not only in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup saga but also for women’s elite sports. Excellence was showcased as top female crews from the officially registered America’s Cup teams faced off in four competitive opening races within Group A.
Following a vibrant and noisy dock-out at Port Olímpic, highlighted by a moving send-off from Ngati Whatua Orakei, the Auckland-based Maori tribe, the sailors departed the harbor ready to create history on the stunning waters of Barcelona.
Nerves were evident in the opening race, with half of the fleet clustered in less favorable wind conditions at the starboard end of the starting line, while Athena Pathway and Emirates Team New Zealand surged down the line in unison, starting well ahead and setting an early pace.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli quickly became the first of the chasing teams, demonstrating impressive speed and overtaking Emirates Team New Zealand after a misstep by the Kiwis during a tack. At the initial windward gate, however, light air and steep chop led the Italians to fall off their foils, resulting in them losing several positions and entering catch-up mode for the remainder of the race.
After two rapid laps, with all teams striving to maintain flight in the variable Garbi wind shifting between 7-9 knots, GBR managed to stay ahead, securing a win by one minute and 19 seconds over Emirates Team New Zealand, with Alinghi Red Bull Racing emerging in third after a close fight with NYYC American Magic. Luna Rossa captured fourth on the final descent after the Americans slipped off their foils.
The second race began in marginal conditions, with several boats transitioning to displacement mode as the countdown clock reached the final minute. Once again, Athena Pathway gained an early lead, hotly pursued by Alinghi Red Bull Racing, before the unpredictable wind conditions began to impact the race outcome.
As the breeze shifted directions and became increasingly unstable, the entire fleet fell off their foils at the first leeward gate, and luck played a critical role in regaining flight. Luna Rossa and Athena Pathway were the first to take to the air on the left side and quickly established a significant lead over Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
Luna Rossa achieved victory, crossing the finish line after two laps just as the wind shifted further east, impacting the podium standings and allowing Alinghi Red Bull Racing to slip past a struggling Athena Pathway. Eventually, the race was called for the remainder of the fleet as the wind transition spread upward along the course, with points awarded based on positions at the last windward gate.
A brief delay ensued as the the shifting wind stabilized, leading to some of the most demanding AC40 racing conditions witnessed thus far in Barcelona.
With wind gusts reaching 18 knots and an unpredictable swell, talent shone as helmswomen Giulia Conti and Margherita Porro from Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli surged ahead with precise sailing, capturing the win and taking the lead in the series. Their race was notably hard-fought after being off the foils for a minute and a half prior to the start; they regained flight and rocketed down the course at 41 knots to finish late but in contention.
The initial frontrunners consisted of Athena Pathway, Emirates Team New Zealand, and Orient Express L’Oréal Racing Team, who collectively headed towards the right side of the course. Meanwhile, the Italians took the left, consequently pushing themselves into the leading pack, and they hugely benefitted on the first run as Athena Pathway incurred a boundary penalty and subsequently capsized.
From this point on, Luna Rossa maintained their lead, finishing strongly on the last downwind leg at speeds over 40 knots to earn the full 10 points and establish a one-point advantage over Athena Pathway overall in the series.
The day’s final race was thrilling from start to finish. Luna Rossa hit the starting line at mid-range speed, while Athena Pathway enjoyed an unopposed start at the starboard end, having navigated back from the right boundary of the pre-start box. This head-to-head showcased top talent, with the Italians holding an edge as they fought hard against a determined British team led by Hannah Mills and Tash Bryant.
At the first gate, Athena Pathway emerged with a nine-second lead, but on the first run, the Italians accelerated on the left side of the course, gybing onto starboard and taking the lead ahead of the British. Although they nearly lost this advantage on the final upwind leg, a bold split to the left while the British stayed right sealed Luna Rossa’s success, finishing with a speed advantage of 13 seconds.
A fierce battle unfolded behind the leading pair for the final podium placement, where Orient Express L’Oréal Racing Team executed a perfectly timed gybe in front of Emirates Team New Zealand, managing to control yaw and speed before veering across the line to secure third place. Remarkable sailing.
Giulia Conti, skipper of Luna Rossa, expressed her excitement after an exceptional opening day, stating: “It was amazing. The initial conditions were quite challenging, with the wind fluctuating, but as it strengthened, it remained tricky with many waves. We are incredibly thrilled to be part of history along with these extraordinary women from around the globe.”
Reflecting on the close racing, Conti added: “We felt we had a little more speed downwind and slightly less upwind compared to Athena Pathway, but it was undoubtedly tough. The conditions were wavy and a bit choppy, with crossed waves causing me some neck pain due to the movement in the cockpit – certainly not the flat water we experienced in practice racing. We believe we achieved speeds exceeding 44 knots during the bear-aways, although we mainly focused on staying ahead of the pack.”
Hannah Mills, skipper of Athena Pathway, shared insights about the team’s strategy: “We experienced a bit of everything and aimed to avoid ‘own goals,’ as we refer to them, steering clear of major errors and keeping our approach as simple as possible to stay competitive.”
Regarding the thrill of participating in the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup, Mills added: “I think everyone feels relieved. It seems we have discussed this for so long, and actually being here today has resulted in a mix of nerves and excitement for all. We’re pleased to finally get the regatta underway.”
Liv Mackay, helmswoman for Emirates Team New Zealand, expressed great enthusiasm for the opening day, describing it as an exceptional showcase for women’s sailing, “Today was an epic first day of racing. The conditions were quite challenging with the waves – distinctly Barcelona – but the interplay between the offshore breeze and the sea breeze made for real challenges in the second race. As a team, we learned so much today; every race was close and genuinely thrilling—what an incredible start, and we are quite excited.”
Mackay reflected on the targets for the event, saying: “I don’t believe there’s a skills gap; it’s really about experience and time spent on the boat. In the last race, we felt confident, united as a team. What a remarkable day—just the act of docking out and recognizing its significance moved me emotionally, and I’m proud to be part of Emirates Team New Zealand. Some team members have invested so much into this, and it’s transformative for women’s sailing.”
The standings at the day’s close show Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli at the forefront, leading by four points over Athena Pathway, who maintain a comfortable 11-point lead over Emirates Team New Zealand, in third place. The quest for crucial podium spots in Group A will carry on Tuesday, October 8, as all six teams understand well what they must accomplish to advance in the competition.
The Puig Women’s America’s Cup delivered captivating action on its inaugural day. The experience gap is rapidly closing, thanks to some of the world’s finest female sailors, making for electrifying races that thrilled the crowd gathered at Port Olímpic to cheer on their teams.
More is anticipated tomorrow—Sunday, October 6—when the first four races for Group B’s Invited Teams are on the schedule, ensuring that the competition at the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup will intensify. This is exceptional racing action against the flawless Autumn scenery of Barcelona—a must-watch event.
www.americascup.com/events/puig-womens-americas-cup
