Insights from Day 4 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin: Key Takeaways
What Did We Learn on Day 4 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin?
With the wind blowing at 10-13 knots from a more favorable left direction, the stage was set for an exciting day of racing in Barcelona.
A significant seaway, coupled with phasing winds, added both challenge and intrigue for the crews.
Broadcast Insights
- A new ‘Live Wind’ box made a brief appearance at the bottom right, but did not stay long enough and lacked direction information. Given the available technology, it should be feasible to display wind directions clearly, similar to how sponsor logos are superimposed on the course.
- Viewers occasionally saw the True Wind Speed at the top of the rigs, which provided valuable information and would be beneficial to see more frequently.
- The frequency of showing VMG (Velocity Made Good) increased, which is essential for team strategies. There’s a desire for more consistent displays.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing vs. Emirates Team New Zealand
Alinghi Red Bull Racing faced technical issues with their mainsail hoist, resulting in them being late to the race area. Despite being over 100 meters from the boundary two minutes before the start, they were disqualified. However, they still managed to practice alongside Emirates Team New Zealand, who demonstrated quicker performance on the course.
Both teams finished their race activities on the second downwind leg.
INEOS Britannia vs. Orient Express Racing Team
In a closely contested start, INEOS Britannia was judged to be 14 cm over the line early, resulting in a 75-meter penalty relative to Orient Express.
Despite the penalty, the French team faced strong competition from the British, with Orient Express maintaining a lead of just 13 seconds at the windward mark.
During the downwind leg, INEOS Britannia slowly closed the gap, rounding the leeward gate just ahead of Orient Express. However, during the subsequent maneuvers, Britannia was again penalized 75 meters, giving Orient Express the lead.
The British team ultimately took the lead on the final lap, finishing 16 seconds ahead.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing vs. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli
Alinghi started high but Luna Rossa consistently applied pressure, forcing Alinghi to tack early. Luna Rossa’s superior maneuvers allowed them to extend their lead significantly, rounding the final windward gate with a 16-second advantage.
Despite strong efforts from Alinghi, who closed the gap towards the end, Luna Rossa secured another victory, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Emirates Team New Zealand vs. New York Yacht Club American Magic
American Magic won the pin at the start, but Emirates Team New Zealand quickly found their rhythm, successfully navigating shifts in wind direction. By the second windward gate, the Kiwis had significantly closed the gap, eventually taking the lead downwind to win by a comfortable margin of 29 seconds.
Despite the outcome not affecting Louis Vuitton Cup points, both teams showcased exceptional racing skills, providing an exhilarating experience for fans.
A fantastic day of racing with impressive performances underscored the competitiveness of the teams involved.
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.