Key Takeaways from Day 5 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin
Day 5 Highlights of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin
A wet day in Barcelona brought various wind shifts and gusts, with conditions ranging from 8 to 15 knots. The challenging weather added complexity for the AC75 teams, particularly affecting the cyclors, who had to work harder with the increased trimming required in these variable conditions. The day concluded abruptly when a lightning strike occurred near Emirates Team New Zealand.
Match Analysis: Alinghi Red Bull Racing vs. Orient Express Racing Team
Round Robin 2 kicked off with a crucial match at the bottom of the leaderboard. Alinghi had a strong start while Orient Express had a challenging dip start at the committee boat end. This setback forced them to navigate the race course faster than desired.
With Alinghi taking command, Orient Express struggled to maintain rudder control, resulting in a loss of speed and direction. Alinghi rounded the top mark with a significant lead of 1 minute and 38 seconds, approximately one kilometre ahead. The Swiss team exhibited calm and structured sailing, contrasting with the French team’s erratic performance. Ultimately, Alinghi secured their first point in the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robins.
Match Analysis: Emirates Team New Zealand vs. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli
After a delay caused by a 100-degree wind shift and an increase to 18 knots, the match commenced. Luna Rossa made a bold pre-start move, sailing over Emirates Team New Zealand and quickly reaching speeds over 40 knots, which forced the Kiwis into turbulent air and compromised their rudder control.
Despite facing challenges, Luna Rossa managed to maintain cohesion during a intense upwind moment, while Emirates Team New Zealand rounded the first windward gate just 16 seconds behind. On the downwind leg, both teams showcased impressive speeds, with Luna Rossa even hitting 50 knots. However, the time gap between the two boats remained stable.
As the race progressed, wind conditions deteriorated. With lighter winds of 8 to 10 knots and driving rain impacting visibility, Luna Rossa effectively communicated and adeptly navigated through the diminishing wind, extending their lead to 59 seconds by the final windward gate.
The race took a dramatic turn on the last downwind leg when a lightning strike landed alarmingly close to Emirates Team New Zealand. Prioritizing safety, they retreated from the race area, prompting the immediate cancellation of racing for the day.
Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.