Wind Halts After Two Races: Event Cancellation Explained
Louis Vuitton Cup Day 2: Wind Halts Racing After Two Exciting Races
A challenging day unfolded for the Race Officers at the Louis Vuitton Cup, successfully concluding two races before the wind dropped below the 6.5-knot minimum average, leading to the cancellation of further races. This decision came ahead of the anticipated matchup between the Italian and American teams.
In the first completed race, Alinghi Red Bull Racing struggled with a slow start, falling off their foils in the pre-start box while trying to navigate through the wake of NYYC American Magic’s ‘Patriot.’ The Americans, capitalizing on their speed, launched into an impressive lead, expertly helmed by Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison, alongside skilled flight control by Michael Menninger and Andrew Campbell.
As the race progressed, the Race Committee faced conditions forcing them to shorten the course multiple times. Both teams battled to regain flight, frequently falling off their foils as they sought fleeting gusts of wind from Barcelona’s onshore breeze. Despite these struggles, the Americans secured their first win of the Louis Vuitton Cup, finishing nearly a whole leg ahead, while Alinghi Red Bull Racing crossed the line two minutes and 58 seconds later.
After the race, Tom Slingsby reflected on the conditions, noting the fluctuating winds that left the team stressed yet relieved to have maintained a significant lead. He commented on the competitive nature of the next race against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, emphasizing the challenges they posed, especially in light air conditions.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s skipper, Arnaud Psarofaghis, described the race as tricky due to the unpredictable winds but remained optimistic about the competition. He acknowledged a mistake on their part but expressed a determination to fight back in future races.
The second race of the day saw INEOS Britannia competing unopposed against the non-sailing Emirates Team New Zealand, with the outcome secure before the official start due to the regulatory requirements.
Dylan Fletcher, helmsman for INEOS Britannia, looked forward to improved weather conditions for the upcoming races against Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. He highlighted the team’s preparations and experiences from previous regattas, expressing confidence in their performance despite the unpredictable nature of the day’s racing.
Emirates Team New Zealand reported minimal structural damage following a difficult incident the day prior, expressing gratitude for the team’s safety and their quick recovery efforts. They are hopeful to return to racing, aiming to participate in scheduled competitions.
The Race Committee announced plans to schedule additional races to make up for the two missed during the day, with six races set for Saturday, 31st August, under slightly improved weather conditions. The first race is slated to start at 14:00 CET.
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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.