Cup Spy – America’s Cup Match: Day 6 – Kiwis Triumph in Barcelona
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World NZ 19 Oct 07:54 PDT
19 October 2024
Emirates Team NZ – Race 9 – Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, Race Day 6 – October 19, 2024 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, has successfully defended the America’s Cup in the 37th Match held in Barcelona.
They overcame the Challenger, INEOS Britannia, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron, while leading at all marks.
Earlier that day, racing appeared unlikely, with the start delayed as the wind conditions stabilized and filled in from the south.
After a 30-minute start delay, racing commenced in an 8.3kt breeze. INEOS Britannia made the best start, heading towards the port boundary, while the Kiwis tacked towards the starboard boundary, where they experienced a favorable shift and increased wind pressure. INEOS Britannia had to duck the Kiwis at the first crossing and was trailing at the first mark.
This lead was maintained through Leg 2; however, the British team dug deep, found additional pressure and shifts on the right, and narrowly closed the gap on Emirates Team NZ, reaching a dead heat at Mark 3.
Nevertheless, the Kiwis extended their lead on Leg 4 and continued to do so for the remaining two legs, successfully defending the America’s Cup for the third time in succession, marking the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s fifth victory and a third consecutive Cup defense.
The cycle for the next Cup is expected to have already commenced, with the usual procedure being a Letter of Challenge handed to a representative of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron immediately after the final race concludes.
Details regarding the Protocol and timing for the 38th America’s Cup will be revealed following the announcement of the next Challenger of Record. According to the current Protocol, the participating teams must commit to using the AC75 class, though some modifications are anticipated.
After the racing, INEOS Britannia’s skipper Ben Ainslie stated that the decade-old team would continue. He did not clarify whether the 48-year-old would remain in a sailing role or transition to a position similar to Grant Dalton’s with Emirates Team NZ.
Discussions will surely unfold regarding the location for the next America’s Cup defense, with expectations mounting on the team to host the event at home.
Full Replay America’s Cup Day 6, Races 9
Race Summaries and Mark Roundings:
Race 9: INEOS Britannia (GBR) (Port Startbox entry) vs Emirates Team New Zealand (Starboard Startbox Entry) vs Start: 14:10hrs CET
INEOS Britannia had a strong start. Both teams utilized M1 mains and J1 jibs.
Start: GBR clinched the start. NZL immediately tacked towards the starboard boundary, gaining two favorable shifts to establish a 200-meter lead.
Mark 1: 04m 54sec – NZL led GBR by 19 secs, extending to a 375-meter lead on Leg 2.
Mark 2: 09m 09sec – NZL led GBR by 22 secs. GBR opted for the starboard boundary, narrowing the margin to 130 meters after getting two successful shifts. Both teams engaged in a tacking duel, with ETNZ forced to tack under GBR, reducing the lead to 20 meters.
Mark 3: 14m 59sec – a dead heat at Mark. GBR took the starboard side, NZL on port. NZL extended out to a 170-meter lead as they experienced more pressure, reducing the margin to 100 meters.
Mark 4: 18m 27sec – NZL led GBR by 12 secs, opting for the starboard side, covering GBR and forcing them back to the port side. As both approached Mark 5 on port, NZL was 180 meters ahead.
Mark 5: 23m 30sec – NZL led GBR by 17 secs, extending the margin to 400 meters on the final leg. NZL exhibited better VMG.
Finish: 24m 49sec – NZL led GBR by 37 secs.
Boat Performance Data: To be added
Race 9 – Boat speed: To be added
Race 9: Wind Speed: To be added
Virtual Eye:
After the racing, you can replay the key moments or the entire race using Virtual Eye from ARL. This tool is used by Inside Tack to showcase various elements, using the actual tracks of the AC75s.
You can directly access the Virtual Eye America’s Cup coverage by clicking here, selecting “Watch Previous,” and choosing the race you wish to view. Virtual Eye is a 3D viewer allowing you to zoom in, out, and around akin to a helicopter experience.
INEOS Britannia Dockwalk: To be added
Crew Lists: To be added
Onboard video: To be added
Race 9: To be added
Inside Tack: To be added.
Additional Images: To be added.
