Louis Vuitton Regatta Day 3: Highlights and Key Moments
Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta Day 3
22-25 August 2024
Another glamour day unfolded in Barcelona with four enticing match-ups during the penultimate day of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta.
Emirates Team New Zealand maintained their lead on the leaderboard after a notable victory against the Swiss team, while Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli continued to apply pressure, claiming the second spot on the podium with a clean win over INEOS Britannia.
British and French teams had a much-needed boost, successfully earning their first points of the regatta. INEOS Britannia made an impressive entry into the day, securing a convincing win against Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Sir Ben Ainslie’s team showcased their potential, taking the lead during the first windward leg and finishing with a resounding 33-second victory.
Ainslie expressed his satisfaction with the performance, noting, “It was a much better day. I felt like we were finding our groove a bit with how we were sailing the boat. It’s very small differences as expected at this level, but a good race against Alinghi. Every day we’re out there, we’re learning more about how to sail the boat and improving.”
The Orient Express Racing Team from France bounced back from previous foil issues, scoring their first point in a victory against NYYC American Magic. Unfortunately, NYYC American Magic had to retire due to a rudder rake cylinder malfunction before the race even commenced.
Quentin Delapierre, from Orient Express, appreciated the teamwork that led to their victory, stating, “It was good to be back on the water and good for the team’s confidence. The boat worked pretty well today.”
In the third race of the day, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli capitalized on INEOS Britannia’s mistakes, securing a 46-second win, which propelled them into the finals. Helmsman Jimmy Spithill is looking forward to the upcoming matchup against Emirates Team New Zealand, focusing on learning and making the most of the opportunity.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing faced a challenging day, suffering losses to both INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand. Maxime Bachelin, port helm for Alinghi, reflected positively on their pre-start performance, finding value in the training their team had done.
The final race of the day saw Emirates Team New Zealand triumph over Alinghi Red Bull Racing, utilizing a split tack start to their advantage and winning by 1 minute and 15 seconds. This solidified their perfect record as the Defenders of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.
Peter Burling, Skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand, spoke about the upcoming races, saying, “Everything to play for, we’re very much here to try and improve performance in different conditions. It’ll be exciting to see how it plays out.”
As the competition heats up, Sunday promises thrilling AC75 racing with three more matches leading to the final showdown between Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Their previous encounter was cut short, heightening the anticipation for an exhilarating and competitive rematch. Tune in at 14:00 CET to catch all 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.