Team New Zealand set the benchmark on the opening day of the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Jeddah, but they’ll have things to address before they return to the water.
The second of three preliminary regattas, the event in Jeddah is the last time the America’s Cup teams will race
the one-design AC40s with AC75s returning for the last one. With the six crews racing identical boats, the regatta is a test of sailing ability and how well the team works together.
The Kiwis impressed through the first two fleet races of the week, winning the start and sailing alone at the front of two largely uncompetitive races. The crew of Peter Burling, Nathan Outteridge, Blair Tuke and Andy Maloney looked relatively relaxed onboard and communicated well as they navigated their way around the course to two race wins.
In the light conditions, winning the start was a clear advantage. The leaders were able to pick their preferred pathway around the course, enjoy the clean air and dictate the racing.
That was reinforced in the final race of the day, when Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli got the best of the start and, like Team New Zealand earlier in proceedings, enjoyed racing at the front of the fleet from start to finish.
