Cup Spy: Preview – Day 6 – Match Point or Comeback?
by Richard Gladwell 19 Oct 02:50 PDT
Sunset on what may be the second-to-last day of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, October 18, 2024 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
Emirates Team New Zealand stands on Match Point to defend the America’s Cup and secure a fifth victory for the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
INEOS Britannia must win the next five races to bring the America’s Cup back to the Royal Yacht Squadron. However, the British team needs to focus on winning one race at a time, as there are no chances left in this regatta, and their America’s Cup dreams may have to wait until Match 38.
The forecast predicts that yesterday’s unpredictable NW wind will “fade, leaving light and variable conditions for the early afternoon.” Tomorrow, Sunday, the same scenario is expected.
But this is Barcelona, and all it takes is a consistent breeze for 45 minutes to ensure racing occurs.
During today’s media briefing, regatta director Iain Murray explained the starting procedures and disclosed that at the start of yesterday’s second race, Emirates Team New Zealand was just 1.4 meters short of the line, sailing at 33 kts or 1/20th of a second away from being an early starter and facing penalties—which likely would have given the race to INEOS Britannia.
This incident highlighted the crucial role that race management technology plays in competitive sailing and its precision.
Current Forecast for Race Day 32:
Forecast for Saturday, 19 Oct – America’s Cup Day 6
In the morning, the offshore wind from the North-West will still be present. By midday, this wind will diminish, creating light and variable conditions for the early afternoon. A gentle Southerly breeze may develop mid-afternoon, around 7 to 9 knots.
The sea state is expected to be calm. The sky should clear, leading to a sunny afternoon with temperatures reaching 21 degrees.
Weather Prognosis:
America’s Cup Weather Partner PredictWind has established a dedicated Race Weather Center, providing fans with detailed daily weather forecasts, live webcams, and historical weather data through meteorologist-written daily breakdowns.
by Arnaud Monges, former America’s Cup Team Meteorologist – Updated at 0700hrs UTC on October 19
America’s Cup Race Schedule – Races 9 & 10: Saturday, October 19, 2024
INEOS Britannia (GBR)
Race 9: Emirates Team NZ (NZL) (Port Startbox entry) vs INEOS Britannia (GBR) (Starboard Startbox Entry) Start: 14:10hrs CET
Race 10: INEOS Britannia (GBR) (Port Startbox entry) vs Emirates Team NZ (NZL) (Starboard Startbox Entry) Start: 15:15hrs CET
Course Location:
INEOS Britannia Dockwalk
Virtual Eye
After racing, you can revisit key moments or the entire race using Virtual Eye from ARL. This tool is used by Inside Tack to illustrate various aspects using the actual AC75 tracks.
You can access the Virtual Eye America’s Cup coverage by clicking here, choosing “Watch Previous,” and selecting the race you want to see. Virtual Eye is a 3D viewer, allowing you to zoom in, out, and around, just like in a helicopter.
Crew Lists
Course Location:
Additional Images: