Tension and elation on the faces of yachting fans as they watch race 8 in the America's Cup Village on the Auckland Waterfront. Photo / Dean Purcell
Tension and elation on the faces of yachting fans as they watch race 8 in the America's Cup Village on the Auckland Waterfront. Photo / Dean Purcell
The battle for the Auld Mug could be all over today if Team New Zealand takes out both of the day's races.
Yesterday's racing was nothing short of nail-biting with both head-to-heads seeing lead changes.
The first race saw Team New Zealand overtake Luna Rossa to claim a 58-second win.
But it was the second race that had spectators on the edge of their seats, with Team New Zealand coming off the foils midway through the second leg of the day's second race, allowing Luna Rossa to surge ahead.
Heart-stopping race 8 in the 36th America's Cup match had fans on the edge of their seats. Photo / Dean Purcell
But when it seemed to be all but over, Luna Rossa also came off their foils in the third leg and was forced to race in displacement. Team New Zealand managed to push ahead with a lead of more than 2000m to claim a stunning 5-3 lead.
American Magic helmsman Dean Barker called the thrilling race the "most bizarre" he's ever seen.
Elated Team New Zealand fans watching race 8 in the 36th America's Cup match in the America's Cup Village. Photo / Dean Purcell
American yachtsman and sailing commentator Ken Read said: "This is sailing we've never seen before".
With the deadlock broken, today could be D-Day: either the defenders repeat yesterday's
