Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta Day 2 Highlights and Results
Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta Day 2
22-25 August 2024
Barcelona showcased exceptional sailing conditions on day two of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta, providing fantastic viewing opportunities for spectators. The Barceloneta beachfront was bustling with enthusiastic crowds watching high-octane racing.
Emirates Team New Zealand led the leaderboard after an impressive performance. Their first race against INEOS Britannia was noteworthy, as Peter Burling and Nathan Outteridge executed a brilliant strategy that forced their opponents off their foils, securing a decisive 52-second victory.
In their second race against the Orient Express Racing Team, the French team had to retire due to a major issue. Skipper Quentin Delapierre confirmed they would return to the competition on Saturday, emphasizing their commitment to bounce back.
Blair Tuke, Flight Controller for Emirates Team New Zealand, expressed his satisfaction with the day’s performance. He highlighted a well-executed start against INEOS and noted the importance of gaining valuable experience in preparation for future races.
INEOS Britannia faced their second defeat of the day. Sir Ben Ainslie acknowledged the missed opportunity and reflected on their performance, emphasizing the need to improve execution for the next race. Performance coach Xabi Fernandez reassured that the team was focused on the big picture and learning from each experience.
NYYC American Magic had mixed results, winning their first race against Alinghi Red Bull Racing by 56 seconds, but losing to Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli by 40 seconds. Paul Goodison, port helm on ‘Patriot,’ noted the learning curve every team must navigate in the start box and praised their strong communication on board.
Arnaud Psarofaghis of Alinghi Red Bull Racing maintained a positive outlook on their first loss, stressing the importance of gathering data for upcoming races. Francesco Bruni, helmsman for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, expressed confidence in his team’s performance while reminding them to stay focused and continue improving.
For Quentin Delapierre of Orient Express Racing Team, although the day posed challenges, he remained optimistic about future performances and emphasized the importance of being prepared for subsequent races.
The excitement continues this weekend on the beautiful waters of Barcelona, with a promising forecast for Saturday and a shift in wind direction expected on Sunday. The competition among teams in the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta is heating up, ensuring that fans won’t want to miss any of the action.
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.