The momentum of Emirates Team New Zealand was finally broken as Sir Ben Ainslie’s INEOS Britannia team was able to notch two dramatic wins with the score now 4-2 in the first-to-seven series of the Louis Vuitton 37 th America’s Cup. It was a monster day for the British and their legion of fans who needed this chance to get back into the
game and they did so decisively.
“It was a good win for us, and we just have to ride the momentum ,” said co-skipper Ainslie.
“The racing was fantastic and tight all the way around and we performed well under pressure. It was a massive day for the team and getting us two wins has really opened it up.”
The two races featured a more vulnerable Emirates Team New Zealand for the first time in this series. At the start of the first race, an unforced error in a gybe caused the Kiwis to fall off their foils at the starting line. As the Kiwis flopped around like a big sunfish, INEOS Britannia took full advantage and picked their spot for the start. They kept up their speed and managed to also further disable the Kiwis by peppering the sea state with wash and spray making it hard for their opponent to get moving. When the breeze did finally come, the British had executed every move perfectly over six legs and were able to get crucial distance and stay on their foils to win it.
In the second race, Team Britannia executed a brilliant start holding on to the last millisecond and took the lead by staying ahead on the first leg and maintaining it by increments. For eight legs, with incremental gains and smooth maneuvering the British were able to extend their lead. Further, for the first time in this series, the Kiwis had a couple of unforced errors which gave the dominating Brits a chance to consolidate their lead further. In the same token, the
separation between the boats closed in the last two legs which were a nail-biting experience for all British fans. The final mark rounding showed a separation of six seconds and ultimately the British crossed the finish line by five seconds.
Marblehead sail designer ‘a legend in this sport’
A part of the success today was the choice of sails, and the changes made between races which is a critical part of the race strategy. Marblehead sail designer J.B. Braun has been working hard behind the scenes to help Team Britannia in their quest to win the America’s Cup. J.B. and his wife Kelley and their family are in Barcelona as well as friends and supporters from Marblehead who have arrived for the final races.
“J.B. Braun is a legend in this sport and he and the sail design team have done a fantastic job,” Ainslie said. “We are learning a lot about what the boat and the sails can do, and it has been a totally collaborative effort with us and the design team.”
And, for today, it was Britain’s turn to be in front, scoring two points for a British team for the first time in at least 90 years while Britain have never won the competition in its 173-year history. Three-time gold medalist Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in Britain is known to perform best under extreme pressure.
“Coming back today has been about focusing a lot on our own performance and trying to figure that out,” said Ainslie. “It is now or never.”
