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Ben Ainslie Vows to Come Back Stronger After Tough Race Against Emirates Team New Zealand
22-25 August 2024
For the first time in the 37th America’s Cup, Challenger of Record INEOS Britannia faced Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in their AC75 race boats. Unfortunately, the British team, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, did not achieve the desired outcome, as the Kiwis secured victory after INEOS Britannia fell off the foils during an intense pre-start maneuver.
INEOS Britannia Team Principal and Skipper Ben Ainslie explained that the incident occurred while the team experimented with a new pre-start tactic. “We tried something a little bit different and it didn’t work out for us,” he stated. Ainslie noted the importance of learning from this experience rather than encountering such issues during the main event next week.
The Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta, although not part of the main America’s Cup event, serves as a critical opportunity for teams to race their AC75s against one another and make necessary adjustments. On the second day of the regatta, Barcelona provided consistent conditions with a 10-knot wind from the south-southwest and flat water, allowing teams to push hard during the pre-start battles. The day’s first three races were all determined at the start line.
Ainslie and his team have been collaborating with their start coach, Ian Williams, to explore the possibilities within the new AC75s, aiming to gain an edge at the start gun. The favorable conditions made winning the start even more crucial, as the previous day’s lack of passing lanes had highlighted the importance of this aspect.
However, the British boat faced setbacks today as they gybed inside the New Zealand boat in an attempt to regain the lead. The Kiwis managed to assert control, leading Ainslie’s team to attempt a complex “double-tack” maneuver to break free. Unfortunately, they lost their foils during the second movement, ending the race contest prematurely. Analysis of the leg and lap splits indicated that while the New Zealand boat had a slight advantage upwind, the British team maintained or even improved their standing during the downwind legs.
Elsewhere in the regatta, the day’s first race concluded with Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI) starting late, allowing New York Yacht Club American Magic to capitalize on the situation and maintain their lead to the finish line. The third race was decisively led by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA), which trapped American Magic above the starting line, leading comfortably from that point. The final race of the day was called off before even starting as Orient Express Racing Team withdrew due to a “technical issue.”
Despite the challenging result, Ainslie expressed optimism about the team’s ability to build on their performance. “We will take a lot from that race,” he remarked, emphasizing the value of a debrief with Ian Williams, their start coach, to analyze their strategies and return stronger.
The Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta continues tomorrow at 13:00 BST (14:00 CET), with INEOS Britannia scheduled for a double race day against Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Fans in the UK can watch the action live on TNT Sports.
The Preliminary Regatta will conclude on Sunday, 25 August, followed by the commencement of the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selections Series) on 29 August. This series will determine which of the five Challenging teams will face Defenders Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match.
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Sarah Mitchell, an experienced sailor and marine journalist from Sydney, has nurtured a love for the ocean throughout her life. After earning a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Sydney, Sarah quickly made a name for herself with her compelling and vivid storytelling. Her work captures the thrill of sailing and the unique culture of maritime life, making her a respected figure in the sailing community. Outside of writing, Sarah spends her time exploring Australia’s stunning coastlines and competing in local regattas, always on the lookout for her next great adventure.
