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INEOS Britannia Advances to Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Final with Two Victories
INEOS Britannia has clinched its place in the Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Final after securing impressive wins against Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI) and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA) on the penultimate day of Round Robin 2.
The British Challenger of Record, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, shone on Super Saturday, notably breaking the unbeaten streak of the Italian team with a 25-second advantage at the finish line.
Ainslie expressed the significance of these wins, stating, “It’s massive for the whole team to get two wins, and especially the win against Luna Rossa. It’s not just the team on-board but those back at our base and back in the UK; it’s a huge win for everyone. Looking ahead to the next round, I think we’ve got plenty of potential; it’s just all about getting the maximum out of the boat and sailing well.”
The day started with a challenging situation for INEOS Britannia, as the team exercised their 15-minute delay card to thoroughly check their rudder, which had collided with a log during training. They also took advantage of the delay to change their jib to adapt to the heavier wind conditions that had arrived earlier. While heading to the racecourse, the boat encountered debris from an overnight storm, raising concerns about damage to the rudder. The team deployed a safety diver to inspect it, while the shore team worked under pressure to execute a successful jib change, allowing them to participate in the races effectively.
Competing in conditions with stronger breezes than predicted and a residual swell, INEOS Britannia demonstrated their competitiveness from the start. They maintained a lead throughout their first race against Alinghi Red Bull Racing, growing their advantage from 12 seconds at the first gate to a remarkable 53 seconds by the finish line. The team showcased a 0.9 knot speed advantage upwind and a 1.5 knot edge downwind, reflecting their strong sailing performance.
Team Principal and Skipper Ben Ainslie noted, “It was cracking conditions out there, but it was also tough in that sea state. We hit some debris before the start and changed our jib too, so our pre-race preparations weren’t what we had hoped. However, the shore team did an amazing job to get that done under real time pressure. The team on-board also did a really good job to compose themselves and get in the zone for the race, securing the win.”
The second race proved more challenging as INEOS Britannia faced the previously unbeaten Luna Rossa. Ainslie and his team opted for the left-hand side off the start line, which had not been favored prior. Their strong start enabled them to maintain the lead throughout the race, with an 8-second advantage at the first gate and extending that to 29 seconds by the conclusion of the second lap.
Despite the strong performance, a dramatic moment occurred when the rudder popped clear of the water on the final leg. The British crew managed to regain control, finishing with a 25-second win.
Ainslie remarked, “It was another heart-in-mouth moment when we lost the rudder. It’s pretty tough out here with lots of swell around, but thankfully we had enough of a lead to get it across the line.”
In other races on Super Saturday, Italy celebrated their first race win against the Americans, while the latter bounced back in a subsequent race against France. New Zealand also claimed victory over Alinghi Red Bull Racing, adding an extra layer of motivation for the British team.
INEOS Britannia Trimmer Bleddyn Mon reflected on the day’s successful races, stating, “For us, the two races were against strong challengers, so it was great to come away with two wins. I think Britannia as a boat has a lot of potential, and there’s still more to discover. Every day we are making improvements, so we will keep chipping away ahead of the semi-finals next week.”
The final day of Round Robin 2 is set for Sunday, with INEOS Britannia poised to race the Orient Express Racing Team.
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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.
