There was a special atmosphere in Barcelona’s Port Vell this afternoon as Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Britannia left the port through a crowded harbour mouth. Despite the drizzle, crowds gathered around the harbour as the yachts honked their horns to see off the two elite teams battling for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.
Low clouds sucked in the wind, so the race committee postponed racing, but as the clouds cleared and parted, a southwesterly wind picked up, peaking at 12 knots, but leaving wind shafts at will all over the race course.
Racing got underway after a short delay, with INEOS Britannia struggling to get back on the bottom of the pre-start box with three minutes to go, as Emirates Team New Zealand prepared to take the start at the port end of the line. The Brits arrived late and came in with just one minute to go. They were up against a determined Kiwi team who did everything they could to alter their wind, position and finish at the line.
At the start, Emirates Team New Zealand started very fast downwind, with separation, jumping forward from the line and, on the first tack, had established a lead that they would not lose for the next six legs of the course.
Showing manoeuvre execution of the highest order, the Kiwis were 24 seconds ahead at the first mark and, despite some spirited comebacks by INEOS Britannia on the downwind legs, Emirates Team New Zealand extended their lead on each leg and passed the final windward mark with a 56-second advantage. The final difference was 41 seconds, 1-0 for Emirates Team New Zealand.
With the magnitude of the challenge before them, a fired up INEOS Britannia faced the second race with more determination and precision. The port tack entry gave the Brits the opportunity to execute their typical tack and drag maneuver against the Kiwis, something that had worked very well against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. However, they came up against an aggressive Emirates Team New Zealand, who gybed, came back on starboard tack and dictated the tactics from then on.
What followed was a dance to hold the right side of the line, and as the clock ticked down, the Kiwi boat to windward tacked right at the starboard mark, with speed, and headed for the right hand side.
A fascinating duel ensued, with numerous lead changes eventually swinging in favour of Emirates Team New Zealand, but on a course with shorter legs and more laps (eight in this race), the execution of the manoeuvres was put to the test as the wind hovered around 8-10 knots. The decisive moment came on the third lap, when Emirates Team New Zealand beat INEOS Britannia, who were on the right side of the course as the wind came in from the left. The Kiwis bounced the Brits to the right and left the mark with a 28-second lead that they were not likely to lose.
At the finish, Emirates Team New Zealand masterfully read the wind gusts and sailed with perfect flight control and smooth execution of their tacks and gybes. Crossing the finish line 27 seconds ahead, they are 2-0 in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match and have set the bar high for INEOS Britannia.
Taihoro starboard trimmer Andy Maloney reflected on a perfect day for Emirates Team New Zealand: “It was very difficult to get all the legs right today. There was a bit of swell, so it was also difficult to be accurate with the flying and trimming of the boat. We did our best to try to do some good maneuvers, but even then we seemed to make a few mistakes, so I think there’s a lot of technique, but both boats went really well. It will be interesting to see it again, but it was tight.”
Speaking about the unique atmosphere of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, Maloney added: “It’s been a great start to the America’s Cup, the whole day has been amazing, with the support of family and friends in the dock out and the encouragement of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei group who are here with us, which has made the first day of the America’s Cup amazing and very enjoyable. We’re happy to get two wins, get the first day out of the way and move on.”
Sir Ben Ainslie, skipper of INEOS Britannia, came ashore calmly and took stock of the day: “It wasn’t the day we wanted to start with, but all credit to them, they did two really good races. For us it was a good opportunity to check it out and, suddenly, it seems that we have to improve in some aspects”.
“We’ll look at where we’ve been outperformed and why, and no doubt our coaches will do a great job with the technicians and engineers to help us figure that out. There’s a long way to go and we’ll keep working.”
With an air of confidence and determination, Ainslie added: “It’s definitely not a time to panic and we’ve all seen that the America’s Cup is a curious game. Things can change very quickly, so we just have to keep working and, as a team, we will look back at the way we have sailed and take every opportunity to learn and improve.”
“I think even though they won both races today, it was closer than it looks, so we’ll keep pushing ourselves to find that extra speed in performance and maneuvering and go for it. Tomorrow will be another day.”
The two boats arrived at a bustling Port Vell surrounded by an armada of support boats of all shapes and sizes. Barcelona is the center of the sailing world right now and the atmosphere was electric throughout the harbor, with fans lining the shore and cheering with banners and colorful flags.
The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match is underway. Emirates Team New Zealand has shown great class and execution on the race course and with a 2-0 lead, INEOS Britannia needs a strong Sunday to stop the Kiwis’ advance.
Read on to learn more about the 37th America’s Cup:
