Swiss Surge to Vital Victory as Thunderbolts and Lightning Strike!
Louis Vuitton Cup Day 5: Thunderbolts and Lightning as Swiss Score Crucial Win
Rain clouds from the mountains north of Barcelona created dynamic sailing conditions on Day 1 of the Louis Vuitton Cup second Round Robin, where every race is crucial.
Tension was palpable at the dock as enthusiastic fans supported their teams ahead of this high-stakes racing day. The opening race featured Alinghi Red Bull Racing against Orient Express Racing Team. The Swiss team, winless in the first Round Robin, dominated from the start, establishing a significant lead.
Alinghi capitalized on a mistake by the French, who struggled to remain on foils during the first upwind leg. The Swiss maintained control throughout the race, sailing flawlessly to secure a vital victory that could be decisive for their advancement in the regatta.
Maxime Bachelin, helmsman of Alinghi Red Bull Racing, expressed relief and satisfaction with the performance, stating, “We like these shifty conditions and heavy wind. This win is a great reset for us.”
Despite the loss, Orient Express Racing Team’s skipper, Quentin Delapierre, remained optimistic, emphasizing the need for confidence and improvement, highlighting that “everything is possible this week.”
The competition heated up as Emirates Team New Zealand faced Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in a tightly contested second race. The race was marked by optimal racecraft and positioning, with Luna Rossa’s Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni executing a perfect start against the Kiwis.
Near the finish line, thunder rumbled and a lightning strike was spotted just ahead of Luna Rossa. The Race Committee quickly halted the race, awarding the win to Luna Rossa while Emirates Team New Zealand incurred a disqualification for sailing outside the race boundaries.
Spithill praised his team, particularly the cyclors, for their strength at the start, while Emirates Team New Zealand’s Peter Burling acknowledged a pre-start mistake that led to their defeat.
The day’s dramatic conclusion saw Alinghi gaining momentum in their campaign while Luna Rossa celebrated a significant victory over the defenders of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup.
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.