INEOS Britannia’s Racing Canceled on Day One of Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin 2
Racing was cancelled for INEOS Britannia on the first day of Round Robin 2 of the Louis Vuitton Cup due to adverse weather conditions. The decision was made after a lightning strike was observed just a few hundred meters down the racecourse during the second race of the day, which featured Defender Emirates Team New Zealand against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. This meant that INEOS Britannia, scheduled to compete against NYYC American Magic in the third race, did not get the chance to race.
Team Principal and Skipper Ben Ainslie shared his thoughts on the day, noting, “It was a tricky old day with the weather coming in and storm clouds all over the place. The race committee did a good job getting a couple of races away. It was pretty full on out there with lightning coming down in that match between the Kiwis and the Italians. It was the right call to get the fleet in and come back and have another go tomorrow.”
Before the suspension of racing, two matches took place. Alinghi Red Bull Racing faced Orient Express Racing Team in a much-anticipated duel between the two teams currently at the bottom of the leaderboard. Alinghi had a strong start, gaining an advantage of over 240 meters and finishing 1 minute and 10 seconds ahead of the French team, securing their first point.
The second race showcased the top contenders, Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Luna Rossa executed a highly aggressive start, momentarily outpacing the Kiwis. However, with a significant lightning strike looming, Emirates Team New Zealand sailed outside the boundary and was subsequently disqualified, leading to Luna Rossa being awarded the race win.
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Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.