Key Takeaways from Day 6 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin
What did we learn on day 6 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin?
With the storm passed, racing resumed in Barcelona for Day 6 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robins, featuring light and patchy winds.
Despite their defeat to American Magic, INEOS Britannia fans can take heart from the team’s performance today, as they demonstrated improved speed since the beginning of the Round Robin. However, the British team still displayed some sluggishness around the corners, and American Magic occasionally seemed short on power, contributing to an engaging match. INEOS Britannia must work on minimizing small mistakes, as they incurred unnecessary penalties and misjudged lay lines frequently.
Luna Rossa was again impressive, showcasing slick maneuvering that reflected a nearly seamless collaboration between Checco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill. Their experience as the only two-helmed team in the 36th America’s Cup is proving advantageous.
Gaining insights from matches involving the America’s Cup Defender can be challenging, as these matches do not count for points. It appeared that both teams were not racing at full intensity.
The reduced power from American Magic’s recumbent cyclors became evident during a tacking duel with Alinghi.
Broadcast Observations
- It’s essential to have wind speed and direction displayed on-screen. Although conditions may vary across the course, having a general idea would significantly enhance viewing the racing.
- The usage of VMG (Velocity Made Good) data was commendable. Displaying VMG consistently during aerial views would be beneficial for fans.
- The boundary graphics with sponsor logos were somewhat erratic, moving up and down unpredictably during the broadcasts.
Match Highlights
New York Yacht Club American Magic vs. INEOS Britannia
After a short wait for wind, racing began with just enough breeze recorded by the Race Committee. American Magic was late entering the box, allowing INEOS Britannia to put pressure on them. While the Americans went high, the British team fell off their foils during a gybe but rallied quickly. Both teams favored the right side of the course, but INEOS Britannia faced an unforced error resulting in a boundary penalty. They managed to clear this while still staying competitive, rounding the first windward gate 20 seconds behind American Magic.
American Magic maintained their lead downwind, despite a near loss of control, and tacked to cover the British team effectively. The lead at the second windward gate was just 16 seconds, which shrank to 9 seconds at the second leeward gate. The final upwind leg was intense, with American Magic attempting to push INEOS Britannia left. Ultimately, American Magic fell off their foils but re-entered the race, securing victory by 13 seconds.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli vs. Orient Express Racing Team
The French team incurred a boundary penalty in the pre-start, giving Luna Rossa an initial edge. Orient Express, however, tacked to clear their penalty, finding some advantageous pressure on the right. Despite Luna Rossa’s attempts to maintain pressure, the French team stayed close, rounding the first gate just 10 seconds behind. As the race progressed, Luna Rossa’s superior performance allowed them to extend their lead to 37 seconds by the second windward gate. Ultimately, Luna Rossa won decisively by 1 minute and 2 seconds, maintaining their perfect record in the round robins.
INEOS Britannia vs. Emirates Team New Zealand
The Kiwis entered the match from high, matching the British team’s start, but INEOS Britannia lost ground due to a poor boundary tack, falling off the foils and trailing by 250 meters. Emirates Team New Zealand maintained a 15-second lead at the leeward gate, extending it to 33 seconds at the second windward gate. Misjudging the leeward gate lay line contributed to INEOS Britannia’s struggles, ultimately leading to a 3-minute defeat.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing vs. New York Yacht Club American Magic
American Magic struggled with a penalty for entering the start box early, allowing Alinghi to secure a solid start. Alinghi controlled the race, leading by 14 seconds at the leeward gate and extending this to 23 seconds by the second windward gate. The demanding tacking duel took its toll on American Magic’s cyclors, resulting in challenges as they struggled downwind, leading to Alinghi’s victory by 38 seconds.
Orient Express Racing Team vs. Emirates Team New Zealand
Orient Express faced difficulties early in the pre-start, giving Emirates Team New Zealand a substantial head start. The Kiwis capitalized on mistakes from the French team, gaining a significant lead. The final result saw Emirates Team New Zealand winning comfortably after the course was shortened, further emphasizing a tough day for Orient Express with two defeats while Alinghi secured a valuable point.
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.