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Louis Vuitton Cup Day 7: INEOS Britannia Showcases Their Potential
Conditions were perfect in Barcelona for Day 7 of the Louis Vuitton Cup, as the wind shifted to the south-south-west, topping out at 17 knots, complemented by an off-axis swell. These challenging conditions allowed top sailing teams to shine.
INEOS Britannia made a significant statement, achieving their first victory against Alinghi Red Bull Racing and later delivering the first defeat to Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli with an impressive display of speed, power, and race strategy.
The stunning backdrop of Barcelona, combined with the ongoing Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta and the majestic sight of the four-masted Juan Sebastián Elcano naval training vessel, created an exceptional atmosphere. The Race Village in Port Vell and Fanzones in Bogatell and Plaça del Mar were filled with spectators basking in the late summer sun, enhancing the viewing experience of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
The day’s racing was exhilarating from start to finish. INEOS Britannia showcased their capabilities in the breeze with a commanding early win over Alinghi Red Bull Racing, while Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli stayed determined, narrowly edging out NYYC American Magic.
However, the highlight of the day was the race between INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. The British team dominated from the start, managing to counter Luna Rossa’s formidable launch tactics. Once they took the lead, they never looked back, despite a minor mishap during a gybe on the final downwind leg. INEOS Britannia secured their passage to the semi-finals with a 25-second victory over Luna Rossa.
Ben Ainslie, the skipper of INEOS Britannia, expressed his delight at the team’s performance, stating, “It’s a great day for the team. We all know the America’s Cup is a battle for maximum performance out of these boats. Today, in those conditions, we set the boat up well and showed what it’s capable of.”
Jimmy Spithill from Luna Rossa took a pragmatic approach to their first loss against a Challenger, complimenting the British team’s performance and acknowledging that every team will have its strengths and weaknesses in varying conditions.
For Swiss and French teams, it was a challenging day as they fought for the final semi-final spot. Orient Express Racing Team came close but lost to NYYC American Magic, leaving their hopes hinging on a critical race against INEOS Britannia.
NYYC American Magic secured their semi-final spot with a victory over the French team, although Tom Slingsby noted that consistency remains an area needing improvement as they head into the knockout stage.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing struggled with their performance, losing against both INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand. Maxime Bachelin reflected on their tough day, expressing disappointment but remaining hopeful for a chance against Luna Rossa.
The upcoming races will see Orient Express Racing Team needing a win against INEOS Britannia to draw level with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, while the Swiss team needs to secure a victory against Luna Rossa to guarantee a place in the semi-finals.
As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on the next race, where teams prepare for a crucial showdown – it’s do or die.
Source
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.
