INEOS Britannia Triumphs Over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to Win the Louis Vuitton Cup 7-4

INEOS Britannia Triumphs Over Luna Rossa to Secure Spot in 37th America’s Cup Match Against Emirates Team New Zealand

The fifth and final race of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final in Barcelona delivered a gripping showdown between INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, as the British team clinched the top Challenger position with a 7-4 victory. This win secures INEOS Britannia’s place in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, where they will face Defender Emirates Team New Zealand starting October 12.

A Historic Moment for British Sailing

The victory marks the first time in over 60 years that a British yacht has qualified to compete for the America’s Cup trophy in the final match. The close 11-race series demonstrated the intense competition between the British and Italian crews. Although the final scoreline may suggest a more one-sided contest, the first eight races were extremely tight, with both teams demonstrating their capabilities. In the final days, INEOS Britannia leveraged their speed and strategic positioning to win three consecutive races and secure the cup.

The Dramatic Final Race

Barcelona’s ‘Garbi’ south-westerly breeze arrived just half an hour before the scheduled start, providing the ultimate speed conditions of 12-15 knots and flat water—ideal for the AC75 foiling monohulls.

Fireworks were expected at the start, but INEOS Britannia, having entered from the port side, quickly took the lead and initiated a clean, fast start. With impressive timing and speed, the British were only four meters behind the starting line at 40 knots, leaving Luna Rossa trailing. Although the Italians fought to regain tactical advantage, the British executed smart maneuvers that maintained their position throughout.

Luna Rossa pushed hard, negating INEOS Britannia’s speed advantage downwind and consistently staying close to the British boat. However, INEOS Britannia’s tactics of early gybing and relentless defending upwind prevented the Italians from finding any leverage to overtake.

Tense Finish and Historic Win

In the final stages, as the two boats sailed the last upwind leg, Luna Rossa made a decisive move out to the left, but the British capitalized on better wind pressure to gain a lead. Despite a continued push from the Italians, INEOS Britannia crossed the finish line 17 seconds ahead, clinching the victory and securing their place in the America’s Cup Match.

Sir Ben Ainslie, the skipper and Team Principal of INEOS Britannia, received the Louis Vuitton Cup from Jean Arnault, Louis Vuitton Watch Director. Celebrations ensued as the team uncorked champagne on the foredeck and headed back to their base in Port Vell, where they were met with cheers, horn blasts, and applause from the crowd.

Team Reflections

Sir Ben Ainslie was quick to acknowledge the Italian team’s formidable performance, saying: “We knew we were always going to be in for a massive battle against Luna Rossa – so hats off to them, they have been incredible competitors. To get to this point has taken 10 years of hard work, so I am incredibly proud of the team.”

Luna Rossa’s starboard helm, Jimmy Spithill, congratulated the British team, showing respect for their decade-long campaign and effort: “They started that team I think a decade ago, and to bounce back and win… they were the better team.”

Dylan Fletcher, INEOS Britannia’s port helm, expressed his pride and anticipation for the upcoming America’s Cup final, noting that it’s been 60 years since Great Britain reached this stage. He also paid tribute to the Italian team, saying: “Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli were an incredible team to race against, and as we saw, it came down to the finest of margins.”

The Path Ahead

With the Louis Vuitton Cup officially awarded to INEOS Britannia, the team will focus on the next stage—taking on Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match starting October 12. The challenger series has demonstrated just how closely matched the AC75 yachts have become, promising thrilling, high-speed races in the final contest for the America’s Cup.

The British team’s victory is not just a testament to their skill and resilience but also a historic milestone in British sailing, setting the stage for an epic battle for the oldest trophy in international sport.

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