Day 1 of the 37th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup
by Mark Jardine 12 Oct 06:24 PDT
12 October 2024
Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Race 1 – October 12, 2024 © Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup
The first day of the America’s Cup Match is a critical moment. The Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, has not competed since the Round Robin of the Louis Vuitton Cup, facing off against the seasoned Challenger, INEOS Britannia, who triumphed in a thrilling Louis Vuitton Cup Final against Luna Rossa.
Will one team outpace the other? Could the Kiwis’ innovative foils provide a significant advantage? Has the Formula One team from Mercedes contributed further enhancements to the British vessel, helping maintain the upward trend in their performance displayed throughout the Barcelona series?
Broadcast
The wing wash graphic illustrating the disturbed air from the leading boat was notably enhanced and provided valuable insights. The increased utilization of VMG (velocity made good) illustrated how varying tactics affected speed towards the next marker effectively. We also observed the trimmers and flight controllers onboard more, showcasing their intense focus.
Race 1: INEOS Britannia vs. Emirates Team New Zealand
After a suspenseful 40-minute wait for the wind to arrive, the race commenced.
Wind conditions varied greatly across the course, making it vital to stay in the stronger wind and steer clear of calmer spots.
Emirates Team New Zealand arrived in the starting area punctually, while INEOS Britannia was significantly delayed, reportedly due to a pre-start battery malfunction, allowing the Kiwis to tack ahead of them, attempting to delay their entrance. Both boats then gybed, with the British team following closely.
Both vessels aimed high, as the New Zealand team ducked to reach the pin end of the line, while the British approached from the opposite end. Right from the start, Emirates Team New Zealand surged ahead with a 50-meter lead, tacking concurrently with the other boat.
During the initial upwind leg, the Kiwis maintained pressure on the Brits, gradually increasing their advantage to round the first windward gate 24 seconds ahead.
The British opted for an early gybe towards more wind, slightly closing the gap, recovering nine seconds on the downwind segment.
On the second upwind leg, the Kiwis allowed the Brits no room to maneuver, matching them tack for tack, and increased their lead to 36 seconds.
Nathan Outteridge’s continuous attention to the wind demonstrated how his skills benefitted the Kiwi team. Known as the ‘Wind Whisperer,’ his legendary ability to spot wind, coupled with superb communication with teammates, was evident. By the second leeward gate, their lead had grown to 40 seconds.
As the wind eased a bit, Emirates Team New Zealand continued to press their advantage, refusing to grant INEOS Britannia any leeway, extending the lead to 56 seconds at the third windward gate.
The Kiwis were flawless on the final downwind leg, securing the first point of the 37th America’s Cup match with a 41-second victory. An impressively efficient performance by Emirates Team New Zealand.
Race 2: Emirates Team New Zealand vs. INEOS Britannia
Stay tuned…
