World champion sailor Phil Robertson and Mark Orams discuss all of the news from Day 3 of the America's Cup after Emirates Team NZ eased fans' fears by winning Race 6 and levelling The Match 3-3. Video / NZ Herald
Is it time to start getting a little nervous?
Heading into this America's Cup match, there was a lot made of the uphill task facing Luna Rossa.
Taking on Team New Zealand, in their home waters, in a first defence, which is typically when the defenders are at their strongest.And there was a new design class.
It was painted as an almost impossible task, frequently compared to taking on the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Luna Rossa have taken that challenge – and doubled down – with the series now locked at 3-3 after six races.
Using that rugby analogy, they are the 1979 French on Bastille Day, the 1986 Wallabies led by Nick Farr-Jones or the spectacular Tricolors of 1994.
They are refusing to flinch, demanding more and more from Team New Zealand. The Kiwi syndicate keep responding, but this surely wasn't the script they had planned for.
Team New Zealand are still favourites to retain to keep the Auld Mug – much will be decided on Sunday, in what could be a pivotal day – but there is no margin for error.
The fifth race on Saturday was Luna Rossa's most impressive performance yet. Not only did they win from starboard entry – the first time in this series – but they did it with a difficult pre-start manoeuvre, which set up an 18-second victory, their third in four races.
Team New Zealand in action against Luna Rossa. Photo / Photosport
Team New Zealand bounced back superbly in the sixth race, with an emphatic 1:41 win. It was by far the biggest margin of the series, set up by their own dose of pre-start magic. Te Rehutai looks the slighter faster boat – especially when they get clear air – and they will be pleased with their performance on Saturday in a light breeze.
Given their lack of racing since December, Team New Zealand still look to have more room for improvement – but will they have enough time?
The European team are gaining in confidence, and also learning more and more about their opponents.
It's impossible to predict what happens next, but like a tennis tiebreaker, the pressure will only increase from here.
The northernmost track of Course A was used on Saturday, with a steady breeze of around 9-11 knots. It meant the start was going to be paramount, and Team New Zealand fluffed their lines in the opening race.
Coming in on port entry, the afterguard got their time on distance wrong, as they turned back for the line.
"We are really early for this" warned flight controller Blair Tuke as they tried to apply the brakes, a move that Luna Rossa first used during the Prada Cup final against Ineos Team UK.
With their bigger foils the Italians managed it, while Te Rehutai was dragging through the water, off their foils.
They gave Luna Rossa an early 200-metre advantage, which they never rescinded. Team New Zealand had some impressive gains – making up 10 seconds on one upwind leg – but the Italians covered superbly, to seal a deserved win.
It meant déjà vu for Team New Zealand, after Friday, but with even more pressure. And how they responded.
Burling opted to turn away from the Italians on port entry, heading up high. And Luna Rossa blinked, with a rare hint of panic in co-helmsman Jimmy Spithill's voice. They seemed to get their angles wrong as they turned – with not enough power in the sail – and got caught in dead air. That left Luna Rossa floundering and they were behind by 400 metres hallway up the first beat.
By the first gate it was 51 seconds and there was no way back for the challengers. The winds got patchier as the race progressed, but Team New Zealand sailed expertly to continually extend their lead.
"The regatta starts tomorrow" said trimmer Glenn Ashby, as they crossed the line in front of massed flotilla of spectator boats.
Heading into the Cup racing?
• Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.
• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It's the best way to ride.
• Don't forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when on public transport and entering the America's Cup Village.
