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Louis Vuitton Cup Day 1: Racing Fit for Royalty
His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain was treated to an exhilarating spectacle on the opening day of the Louis Vuitton Cup, featuring nail-biting races and intriguing insights in light air conditions.
The King observed from a hydrogen-powered foiling support vessel, witnessing the first two races where the French Orient Express Racing Team showcased their determination, achieving a thrilling victory against Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
For the French team, short on time with their AC75, this victory was crucial. Kevin Peponnet, the port helm, expressed newfound confidence: “We are feeling really positive. We didn’t win both races, but we aimed to secure at least one win today. We felt that Alinghi Red Bull Racing had more weaknesses than Luna Rossa, so this victory was especially gratifying. Against Luna Rossa, we felt competitive, and even though we lost, we are confident we have the potential to win against the top teams.”
Maxime Bachelin from Alinghi Red Bull Racing remained optimistic despite the loss, noting, “It’s not the best start for our team; we strive to win every race, so losing isn’t great. However, we have a strong team, and we will learn from this and come back stronger.”
His Majesty continued onboard the hydrogen support vessel for an anticipated re-match between Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, which did not disappoint. Initially, the Italians took the lead, but remarkable lee-bow sailing by helmsmen Peter Burling and Nathan Outteridge on the second upwind leg propelled the Kiwis into a lead they never relinquished.
Andy Maloney from Emirates Team New Zealand elaborated on the pivotal move that secured their victory, stating, “We had a great race against the Italians. We made strategic splits and capitalized on opportunities. Our final tack was crucial; we managed to hold them at their hip long enough to lead them to the lay line.”
Francesco Bruni from Luna Rossa, finishing with one win and one loss, reflected on the day: “We took many positives from our match with the Kiwis. We started strong and led, so it was disappointing when they overtook us. Competing closely with the Kiwis is a good sign, and we need to analyze our mistakes.”
The day’s third race involved drama at the start as NYYC American Magic struggled to stay on their foils, giving INEOS Britannia a clear advantage. Despite various headsail strategies, the British maintained their lead, finishing with just a 14-second gap.
Sir Ben Ainslie expressed his satisfaction with the win, saying, “Getting an early win is nice for the team. While we had a good lead, we felt we could improve on our race execution, particularly the maneuvers, crucial in these conditions.”
Paul Goodison from NYYC American Magic recounted a challenging day, stating, “We were faced with tricky conditions. Our jib call didn’t suit the wind variations, leading to difficulties at the start. While we struggled initially, we impressed ourselves with how we regrouped and continued to chase, coming close to overtaking them.”
The final race featured Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli facing the strong Orient Express Racing Team. With smart match-racing tactics and a strong start, the Italians managed a slim lead, which they held despite persistent challenges from the French.
Francesco Bruni highlighted the importance of their strategy, crediting co-helm Jimmy Spithill for a strong start that ensured they remained in control: “Getting that point against the French is significant; they are a formidable team capable of winning races.”
The opening day of the Louis Vuitton Cup’s first Round Robin certainly delivered excitement, with sailors focusing on the broader picture and accumulating points. With three more racing days ahead and a similar forecast, fans can anticipate ongoing tight match-racing, numerous passing opportunities, and close finishes. The competition is heating up!
Notably, a dockside incident occurred at the Emirates Team New Zealand base post-racing. The team announced, “While retrieving the AC75, the crane malfunctioned while lifting it onto its cradle and landed heavily. All team members are safe. We will assess the extent of the damage as soon as possible.”
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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.
