Focus on the Goal as Tension Increases before the Louis Vuitton Cup Final
by America’s Cup Media 25 Sep 07:38 PDT
(From left) Dylan Fletcher, Ben Ainslie, Jimmy Spithill – Louis Vuitton Cup Final Media Conference – September 25, 2024 © Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup
‘To clinch the America’s Cup, you must first secure the Louis Vuitton Cup.’ This well-known saying encapsulates this prestigious sporting event, which boasts a remarkable legacy spanning 173 years, and now, that legacy is at stake for the two exceptional Challengers of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.
The skippers from INEOS Britannia, the Challenger of Record for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, and Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, who were finalists at the 36th America’s Cup in 2021, gathered today at the auditorium of Barcelona’s World Trade Centre to face the global media ahead of their contest in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final that will determine which team will challenge the America’s Cup defenders, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match.
The structure of the Louis Vuitton Cup is straightforward: the first team to earn seven points secures the Challenger position and takes home the breathtaking new Louis Vuitton Cup trophy, created specifically for this new chapter in the French brand’s involvement and global partnership with the America’s Cup.
Prior to the press conference, the four sailors participated in a photoshoot with the Louis Vuitton Cup at the Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning auditoriums worldwide, aptly described as a ‘modernist gem’ in Barcelona’s core.
The smiles shared during the photoshoot will likely soon transform into fierce concentration once the racing begins, as these two long-time rivals—finalists from the last Challenger Selection Series in 2021—focus intently on securing their place in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match in October.
Sir Ben Ainslie and Jimmy Spithill—former Cup-winning teammates from 2013, now competing against each other—were joined on stage by their co-helms, Dylan Fletcher and Francesco Bruni, for the Press Conference, with the esteemed trophy glistening between them.
Tension filled the room as Ainslie articulated the significance of this moment: “The Louis Vuitton Cup has a rich history in the America’s Cup, and as a Challenger, we all know you need this trophy in your trophy case before you can aim for the Cup itself, and that’s what drives our efforts. It’s a significant opportunity for both teams, and we’re thrilled about what lies ahead.”
There is significant expectation on these two teams, neither of which has ever won the America’s Cup. For Great Britain, this dates back to the competition’s inception in 1851, a notable gap in the nation’s sailing achievements, a reality that fuels Ainslie: “This is a strong motivation for us; we understand the America’s Cup’s history. Our nation is proud of its maritime heritage, and technically, the Cup originated in British waters around the Isle of Wight, but we’ve never reclaimed it since. This drives our team.”
Dylan Fletcher, an Olympic gold medalist and port helm on INEOS Britannia in his first America’s Cup, radiated quiet confidence, embodying the atmosphere of the British camp, stating: “It feels like the team is gaining momentum. Being part of a British America’s Cup team has been a lifelong aspiration, so to find ourselves here in the Challenger final is incredible, and I genuinely believe we have what it takes to go all the way.”
Conversely, for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, after coming so close in past America’s Cup events, the dream feels attainable this time, with Francesco Bruni expressing: “In Italy, we all recognize the America’s Cup as a dream. We’ve pursued this dream for many years—even before my time—and now we have an opportunity that we must seize.”
Jimmy Spithill provided context for the Louis Vuitton Cup, reflecting on the Italian team’s journey and upcoming challenges, stating: “We’ve just come off a challenging semi-finals series against the Americans that was a very even matchup. The Brits (INEOS Britannia) have made considerable progress since the Preliminary Regatta, and I expect a tough battle with two evenly matched teams going head to head—that’s what we all want. We aim to send the Challenger into the Cup final against the Kiwis, well-prepared to succeed.”
The term ‘pressure’ came up frequently during the Press Conference, and it’s undeniably present in abundance. Both teams are eager for their chance at Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match. When asked about the significance for fans, Spithill commented on the fervent ‘Tifosi’ that passionately support the Italians, saying:
“I perceive pressure as an opportunity; being in this position ignites excitement and positive energy. We don’t see it as a burden; rather, it inspires the entire team. Regarding the fans, the passion is palpable at any sailing event—Italian fans are always the majority—and we aim to leverage that as a competitive edge. It’s a shared dream for many in our team, and collectively, it’s our purpose; we know how special this would be.”
Weather reports indicate some ‘sporty’ conditions for the initial two races of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final scheduled for Thursday, September 26. Early predictions suggest a 15-17 knot southwesterly ‘Garbi,’ but the critical factor may be the sea conditions, with expected swells of 0.9 to 1.3 meters from the south. Ben Ainslie summarized, “The outlook is promising; it appears very favorable, potentially at the higher end. There’s some uncertainty regarding wind strength and sea conditions, but it looks good for racing, so we should be ready to go.”
All systems go; it’s game time. The first to reach seven points will claim the Louis Vuitton Cup and move on to the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match. The stakes are immense, with both teams striving for greatness, and opinions vary widely on who has the advantage. This matchup could be one of the closest Louis Vuitton Cup Finals ever—a fitting climax to an outstanding Challenger Selection Series. Racing commences in Barcelona at 1410 CET, with global attention focused on the event. Exciting times ahead.
