America's Cup sees an unprecedented consecutive third successful defense.
The New Zealand team took full advantage of their light-wind expertise with a stunning victory over Sir Ben Ainslie’s British team on what was to be the final day of racing in Barcelona in the 37th contesting of the America’s Cup. The Kiwis had jumped out to an early lead in the first to seven victories in the Finals of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup. Then the Brits came roaring back with two victories of their own. Race Day Four saw New Zealand ahead six victories to two for Team Ineos.
With the bit now firmly between their teeth, the Kiwis delivered the knock-out blow on Saturday October 19 in the opening race of the day sailed in lighter air. Despite a spirited mid-race comeback from INEOS Britannia (very much in the mould of the never-say-die culture they had cultivated throughout their campaign), the 173-year dream was extinguished by a ruthless and dominant Emirates Team New Zealand performing at the top of their game.
To the delight of thousands of Kiwi fans who lined the shoreline and leaned over railings on spectator boats that lined the race course, the AC 75 Taihoro secured an impressive victory thanks to an aggressive start and the ability to pick up the wind shifts in the seven- to 10-knot offshore breeze. The Kiwi boat was surrounded by a flotilla of well wishers, horns blaring, as they packed up their sails before cracking large bottles of champaign.
“An amazing feeling... an amazing scoreline,” said New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling.
New Zealand’s team leader Grant Dalton praised the whole team and gave credit to the City of Barcelona for staging the event as well as thanking the thousands of New Zealand fans who made the more than 12,000-mile journey from their homeland to cheer their team on to victory.
After both teams made a fast tow back to the Port Vell—which was filled with spectator craft of all shapes and sizes—Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei once again greeted the arrival of 'Taihoro’ at the dock. Emirates Team New Zealand has officially made history as the first continuous team to win the America’s Cup three times in a row, and the sense of elation around the dockside was palpable.
Stepping ashore, Peter Burling skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand put it in perspective as he struggled to take in just what he and the team had achieved, saying, "It’s a pretty surreal feeling; it's still definitely sinking in. In the America's Cup you’re all ready for a long battle but to be able to get it done today in just beautiful sailing conditions with a little bit of shift in it and just so many people cheering us on, was amazing.”
Tradition holds that the winner of the match has the honor of selecting the venue for the next defense as well as setting the rules of engagement, vessel configuration, etc. Speculation is that the 38th America’s Cup will be contested in the Middle East.
As this is being written, Emirates Team New Zealand has confirmed that Ineos Britannia will be the Challenger of Record for the 38th edition of America’s Cup.
By Craig Ligibel
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