Scores even at the Louis Vuitton Cup Final amid spectacular Barcelona conditions
by America’s Cup Media 26 Sep 11:46 PDT
26 September 2024
To demonstrate just how evenly matched the two teams are in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final, in the exciting and breezy conditions of Barcelona, INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli squared off in both races today, ending with one victory each.
With a consistent south-westerly ‘Garbi’ breeze frequently exceeding the upper limit of 21 knots, the races at times demanded survival sailing, with the crews opting for double-board round-ups at the leeward gates and minimizing maneuvers across the eight-leg courses. With speeds surpassing 52 knots on bear-aways at the windward mark, both teams showcased exemplary match racing, proving their status as two of the top America’s Cup teams worldwide.
In the first race, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli started strong and aggressive, with the outcome largely determined at the start when the experienced Jimmy Spithill propelled the Italian AC75 to the starting line, ahead and to windward of the British boat, prompting INEOS Britannia to tack away early.
Following that, it became a situation of the strong growing stronger, thanks mainly to exceptional execution and nearly flawless tactical sailing from Spithill and co-helm Francesco Bruni, who built a lead exceeding 30 seconds while maintaining a loose cover on the British team, who struggled to find a chance to return to the race. The Italian crew celebrated a 46-second winning margin.
After delays when the upper wind limit of 21 knots was exceeded—marking the first instance of this during the summer’s Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup—Race 2 commenced with Sir Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher turning the tables on the Italians, starting quick and intelligently, leading back to the start line from downwind and in front.
From there, an initial tack on the left boundary led to a bow-to-bow drag race across to the right boundary, ultimately allowing INEOS Britannia to secure a lead that they maintained for the entirety of the race.
Although Luna Rossa kept it competitive, the British team effectively sailed their own race, expertly picking wind shifts and displaying impressive downwind angles. This culminated in an 18-second victory for INEOS Britannia, bringing noticeable momentum for the British squad.
After coming ashore, Jimmy Spithill, the starboard helmsman of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, appeared relaxed regarding the tension, stating: “We’ve seen throughout the series that these are two very closely matched teams, and we anticipated a challenging series, which was evident today as both teams secured race wins.”
“I thought the performances were quite similar; they made a couple of maneuvering errors in the first race, which we capitalized on. In the second race, they executed a very clean performance, revealing that there’s not much separating us, but we’ll be analyzing that tonight.”
Regarding the fiercely competitive nature of this matchup, Spithill added: “Today’s conditions featured significant waves, right on the edge of the breeze limit, so a mistake is always imminent. In the first race, they were waiting for us to slip up, and vice versa, but that’s what competition is about; you want to be challenged, and you want a fight.”
Reflecting on the performance of the two AC75s, Sir Ben Ainslie, skipper of INEOS Britannia, remarked: “It’s difficult to gauge overall performance since both boats controlled the race effectively when they gained the lead, making it challenging for the trailing boat.”
“Overall, I felt both teams performed well, and each boat had a strong race, foreshadowing a thrilling contest ahead. We were understandably disappointed with the first race; we aimed to gain an advantage at the start but didn’t achieve it, putting us at a disadvantage while they executed well. Hence, winning the second race was crucial.”
On the team’s morale, Ainslie added: “There’s a great atmosphere among the crew, and we’re aware of the challenge ahead, which is what we desire. The team is performing excellently, and it’s tough for viewers to grasp how challenging these boats are to handle. We pushed hard all day, with the foils cavitating—literally every foil—so managing the boat under those conditions demands immense focus, concentration, and fitness from the cyclists to harness the power, resulting in a complete team effort on a day like today, which was thoroughly enjoyable.”
With the series now tied after the first day’s two races, the schedule will see the teams back in action on Saturday, September 28, under forecasted lighter conditions. If today’s intense competition at 50 knots is any indication, this Louis Vuitton Cup series promises to be a fierce contest extending to the very end. INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli are locked in rivalry, with the first to accumulate seven points advancing to challenge the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in October’s Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match.
Whoever triumphs in the Louis Vuitton Cup will surely be in top shape for the matches ahead. This series could extend right to the final moments, and as fans flock to Barcelona to enjoy the free-entry Official Race Village and Fanzones at Plaça del Mar and Bogatell, this weekend’s four-race agenda is a must-see.
