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Emirates Team New Zealand was victorious in Gothenburg today at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.
In conditions significantly lighter than the first day’s racing, 5-7 knots in warm Swedish sunshine, the regatta was anyone’s for the taking going into the two double points races.
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In the first race of the day the local favorites Artemis Racing got off to a strong start and by the bottom mark had picked up a puff which eluded the fleet and were away to take a significant win to put them right back in the hunt for the overall win after an indifferent first day.
But it was the order of the following boats in race one which really set the foundation for a dramatic final race.
A pre start penalty, which, resulted in Emirates Team New Zealand being last off the start line they managed to graft their way back through the fleet to cross the finish line in 2nd, ahead of Land Rover BAR, Oracle Team USA.
The mathematical equation of this meant all three teams, Emirates Team New Zealand, Land Rover BAR & Oracle Team USA were all tied on points, and Artemis Racing just two points adrift setting up what was effectively a winner takes all final race between the four teams.
Oracle Team USA had a strong start, and a good lead by the bottom mark 2. Ashby, Burling and friends rounded in 3rd place 100 metres behind the leaders.
The key to the race, and effectively winning the regatta came on leg 3, when Emirates Team New Zealand split from the leaders at the bottom gate.
“We planned that from a long way out, we had a long chat amongst the guys and took the right hand gate even though it looked pretty bad for a long time, but we knew we were going to have a couple less tacks and have better pressure for that whole upwind but also get that right hand side at the top.”
said Helmsman Peter Burling
Converging at the top mark, Emirates Team New Zealand rolled the American’s to round the top mark in front closely in front of Softbank Team Japan.
From this point on Glenn Ashby and crew extended their lead, never comfortable, but in control.
“Ray and Pete managed to get the boat around the track really nicely as did Blair and Guy, so we are starting to gel really nicely.” Said skipper Glenn Ashby.
“There were plenty of snakes and ladders out there, plenty of opportunity and also room for going backwards quickly as well. But we were really happy with the way we sailed but a fantastic result for us.”
Helmsman Peter Burling continued, “We were really proud being able to perform under pressure in that last race. It is precisely what we set out to do, so all in all we are really elated with today and with the regatta as a whole”
Emirates Team New Zealand are the only team to have been in the top three in every race of the 2015 World Series this year, and as a result have a seven point lead overall in the series, ahead of Land Rover BAR & Oracle Team USA.
RESULTS AFTER DAY TWO OF RACING IN GOTHENBURG
Emirates Team NZ - 54
ORACLE TEAM USA - 48
Land Rover BAR - 46
SoftBank Team Japan - 43
Artemis Racing - 42
Groupama Team France 37
OVERALL STANDINGS AT THE LOUIS VUITTON AMERICA’S CUP WORLD SERIES FOLLOWING THE FIRST TWO EVENTS
Emirates Team New Zealand - 72
Land Rover BAR - 65
ORACLE TEAM USA - 64
SoftBank Team Japan - 56
Artemis Racing - 53
Groupama Team France - 50
