INEOS Britannia Claims Victory Over Orient Express Racing Team at Preliminary Regatta
INEOS Britannia has concluded the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta with a triumph over the French Orient Express Racing Team. The British Challenger of Record, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, displayed remarkable resilience after facing an early start penalty that allowed the French team to seize the lead. Despite challenging conditions characterized by light winds and choppy seas, INEOS Britannia expertly maneuvered to reclaim the lead, ultimately securing victory.
The final day of the regatta featured a course set perpendicular to the Barceloneta beachfront, with the east-south-easterly thermal sea breeze creating dynamic wind conditions ranging from 7 to 15 knots. Although the wind was lighter compared to previous days, the sea state presented its own challenges with swells exceeding 1 meter. Emirates Team New Zealand emerged as the overall winner of the Preliminary Regatta after a closely contested race against the Italian team, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
The race between INEOS Britannia and Orient Express Racing started with significant drama. The French team was slow to enter the pre-start box, which gave INEOS Britannia the advantage as the starboard tack boat with the right of way. The umpires ruled that the French team failed to keep clear, resulting in a penalty for them.
As the British team geared up for a timed run, planning to tack and start just in front of the French, they crossed the line prematurely. However, upon restarting, the French had already taken the lead. Facing a 16-second deficit at the first gate, INEOS Britannia’s AC75, Britannia, showcased exceptional downwind speed. Following a misstep from the French team during a gybe, Ben Ainslie and his crew took the lead by 11 seconds at the second gate and extended their advantage to win by 48 seconds at the finish line.
INEOS Britannia Team Principal and Skipper Ben Ainslie commented, “It was pretty tricky at the start, with winds dropping to 7 knots at times and a rough sea state, not ideal for these foiling boats. We aimed to keep the boat on the foils, but we ended up over the line early. Nonetheless, the team executed a great recovery, especially the Cyclors who were powering through.”
The Barcelona Preliminary Regatta served as a crucial opportunity for teams to test their AC75s against one another and refine their strategies before the main event. The Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selections Series) is set to commence on 29 August, leaving teams just three days to make adjustments. Emirates Team New Zealand has secured its spot in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match as the Defenders, while the Challenger Selections Series will determine which of the five challenger teams will compete against them.
Co-Helm Dylan Fletcher expressed enthusiasm about the experience, stating, “This Preliminary Regatta was our first real practice racing with the AC75, allowing us to experiment with various pre-start strategies and options. We’ll refine these and aim to make significant gains for next week. We’ve built good momentum and feel well-prepared for the Challenger Selections Series.”
Ainslie highlighted the team’s eagerness to return to racing the following week, reflecting on the valuable insights gained during the Preliminary Regatta. He noted, “It was a fantastic way to cap off the regatta with a win. We’ve learned a lot about navigating the AC75 in the diverse Barcelona conditions, and we’ll take that knowledge into our preparations for the Round Robin stages.”
The 37th America’s Cup will kick off with the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selections Series) on Thursday.
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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.