Emirates Team New Zealand Dominates Day Two of Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta in Barcelona
The second day of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta in Barcelona delivered exceptional sailing conditions and thrilling races, much to the delight of spectators gathered along the Barceloneta beachfront, at the free-to-enter Official Race Village, and in various Fanzones. The highlight of the day was the commanding performance by Emirates Team New Zealand, who currently sit atop the leaderboard.
Emirates Team New Zealand Shines
Emirates Team New Zealand, the Defenders of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, showcased their prowess from the outset. In their first race against INEOS Britannia, helmed by Peter Burling and Nathan Outteridge, the Kiwis executed a flawless double tack maneuver that forced Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher off their foils just before the start, leading to a dominant 52-second victory.
In their second match against Orient Express Racing Team, the French team had to retire due to a “major issue,” as explained by their skipper Quentin Delapierre. Despite the early retirement of their opponents, the Kiwis maintained their focus and continued their strong performance.
Blair Tuke, Flight Controller and Trimmer for Emirates Team New Zealand, expressed satisfaction with the day’s results but emphasized the importance of continued focus: “We had a great start against INEOS, and we’ve come into this series really wanting to get the most out of it. We don’t get many opportunities to get battle-hardened, so we are trying to make the most of every race.”
INEOS Britannia Faces Challenges
It was a tough day for INEOS Britannia, with two consecutive losses. Despite this, the British team remains optimistic, viewing this regatta as a warm-up for the upcoming Louis Vuitton Cup. Sir Ben Ainslie acknowledged the missed opportunity against the Kiwis, attributing the loss to a tactical error at the start. Performance coach Xabi Fernandez echoed Ainslie’s sentiments, stating: “It’s not been the start we wanted, but we have been here before, and we’re able to see the big picture. There’s a lot to learn from these early races.”
NYYC American Magic’s Mixed Results
NYYC American Magic also had a mixed day on the water. They secured a 56-second victory against Alinghi Red Bull Racing in their first race, thanks to a strong start and strategic dominance. However, in their second race against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the Americans were outmaneuvered, resulting in a 40-second loss. Paul Goodison, port helm on ‘Patriot,’ remained positive: “We had a solid plan, but it didn’t go our way against the Italians. Despite the loss, the communication on board was excellent, and we’re learning with every race.”
Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s Learning Curve
For Alinghi Red Bull Racing, the day was a learning experience. Skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis noted that although they lost to American Magic, the race provided valuable insights: “We just misjudged the start, but we learned a lot from this race. It’s about gathering data and making improvements for tomorrow and the future.”
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s Steady Progress
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli looked impressive throughout the day, with helmsman Francesco Bruni acknowledging the team’s progress: “The team is sailing well, and the boat is performing, but we must stay focused and continue improving. We can’t afford to become complacent because all the teams are watching and learning.”
Orient Express Racing Team’s Setback
For Quentin Delapierre and Orient Express Racing Team, the day ended prematurely due to a technical issue with the Foil Cant System (FCS). Delapierre remained optimistic about the upcoming races: “Today wasn’t critical for us, but the next few days are vital. We’ll make sure the boat is ready.”
Looking Ahead
The weekend promises more high-octane racing, with favorable conditions expected on Saturday. However, a significant shift in wind direction is anticipated on Sunday, adding another layer of excitement to the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta. With the competition heating up, fans won’t want to miss a moment of the action in Barcelona.
