Tension, Temperament, and Trust
by Mark Jardine 1 Oct 05:00 PDT
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli vs. INEOS Britannia on Louis Vuitton Cup Final Race Day 4 – September 30, 2024 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
Sailing an AC75 is clearly not something every sailor can master. The abundance of controls, distinct roles, and remarkable speeds contribute to a challenging experience, but racing against a similarly skilled opponent escalates the complexity dramatically.
This is the scenario for the crews aboard INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the ongoing Louis Vuitton Cup Final in Barcelona. The teams have traded victories, resulting in thrilling races, yet notably, there has not been a single overtaking maneuver during the completed races over the first four days.
Tension peaks for the sailors during the pre-start phase, where the boats are in closest proximity and everyone realizes the significance of the start. Escaping your opponent’s dirty air, or ‘gas’ as it is sometimes called, is incredibly challenging, often requiring a favorable wind shift for advantage or a mistake from the rival team.
It doesn’t help that the wind shadow exists both downwind and upwind, meaning the leader has a distinct advantage. The ability to remain calm in the pre-start under these conditions is exceptional. This quality differentiates great champions from ordinary sailors: the mental fortitude that enables one to make sound decisions under extreme pressure.
Despite being British and a strong supporter of INEOS Britannia, I am genuinely impressed by Jimmy Spithill’s composure. Time and again, he has proven himself capable when the stakes are high.
Recall San Francisco in 2013, when he helmed ORACLE TEAM USA and faced an 8-1 deficit against Emirates Team New Zealand in the first-to-nine series. During that now-legendary press conference, he quipped, “Imagine if they lost it from here” – the result was historic.
Commentators often joke that his heart rate is significantly lower than co-skipper Checco Bruni’s during races. Listening to him during competition, his voice resembles someone who has just woken up on a relaxing Sunday morning, asking for the time. The man has ice in his veins.
Alongside Bruni, the port-side helmsman of Luna Rossa, the Italian team has formed a remarkable partnership aboard their boat. They pioneered the twin-helm arrangement in AC75s back in Auckland during the last America’s Cup, and their extended history sailing together is yielding dividends. Their communication is clear and concise, and their mutual trust is unwavering.
In contrast, the pairing of Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher on INEOS Britannia is new. Dylan was only brought in to the port driver’s position shortly before the preliminary regatta, when many believed Giles Scott would fill that role.
In my view, this change was a brilliant strategy, not because Fletcher outmatches Scott as a sailor, but because he introduces a different dynamic. Ainslie and Scott followed similar paths in sailing, both being multiple Finn Olympic gold medalists, while Fletcher contributes his experience from skiff and International Moth sailing.
The main concern, if it could be termed such, was the timing of the change. The helming on an AC75 must function in perfect harmony, similar to the synchronization seen with Spithill and Bruni. There is no room for uncertainty. By the time you await a response, you may have already lost an opportunity as a hundred meters pass beneath you.
The British sailors have shown frustration at times during the Louis Vuitton Cup, whether due to umpire decisions, narrow calls, wind shifts, or mishaps. Conversely, when similar situations arise on Luna Rossa, they maintain their focus. For instance, during instances where the Italian boat’s rudder has stalled, causing it to either slide sideways or fully lose its foils, Spithill can be heard saying, “Down trav, ride height, power boys,” efficiently instructing the team on necessary adjustments.
The mantra used within the teams, often repeated post-race and prevalent in sports, is ‘Trust the Process.’ Elite athletes train extensively for specific scenarios to the point where executing them under pressure becomes instinctual. We witness this repeatedly in various sports, from a rugby or American football player preparing for a kick to a hurdler visualizing their approach before the final steps. When tension peaks, they trust the process and perform when necessary.
If anything, in the context of an AC75, the process assumes even greater importance, as each sailor must execute their roles in impeccable coordination. These are extraordinary vessels, sometimes sailing at five times the wind speed, seemingly challenging the laws of physics. Adapting to the unpredictable nature of the sea and wind puts sailors in demanding situations, necessitating unanimous reactions.
Temperament originates from trust – trust in teammates, trust in the vessel, and trust in oneself. This trust evolves over time, and Spithill, Bruni, and the Luna Rossa team have benefitted from their extended collaboration.
The INEOS Britannia team is rapidly developing, and observing their performance trajectory, the British team exhibits a steeper curve, suggesting they will continue to improve as the competition progresses. But will it be sufficient to surpass Luna Rossa? Trust is strengthening, temperament is enhancing, yet tension is rising.
Back in August, I noted that this America’s Cup could hinge more than others on the sailors’ skill, and we are witnessing it unfold in Barcelona. It’s a visual spectacle producing edge-of-the-seat moments. However, the eventual winner must quickly prepare for the 37th America’s Cup Match against holders Emirates Team New Zealand, who appear strikingly fast in practice.
I wish them all good luck and safe sailing.
Mark Jardine
Managing Editor, Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com
