From Barcelona, NZ Herald sports reporter Michael Burgess backgrounds the Luna Rossa challenge in the 37th America’s’ Cup.
Video / NZ Herald
Team New Zealand made a successful return to racing this morning, albeit short-lived.
Having to fix their AC75 Taihoro when it was damaged after a crane failure following the opening day of the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series, the defender managed to assess the damage, complete the repairand get the boat back on the water all within 48 hours.
There were no signs of lingering issues, however, they didn’t get a chance to test the vessel in a proper race. French challenger Orient Express Racing Team retired from their match before the start, and their second race of the day, against Switzerland’s Alinghi Red Bull Racing, was postponed due to the light conditions.
Light conditions have dictated the challenger series so far, with only two of four scheduled races being completed on day two. That, coupled with the return of Team NZ, saw management schedule six races rather than the usual four for day three - ultimately getting through five.
Starting with port entry against Orient Express, Team NZ were allowed into the starting box 10 seconds before the French, who were scheduled to enter from starboard. However, the challenger was nowhere to be seen. Instead, they were parked up with an issue on board and did not look like racing. They retired from the contest moments after they were due in the starting box.
It was the second time the French, who purchased their AC75 design package from Team NZ, retired from a race against the Kiwis. It was the same story as when the two were due to race in the preliminary regatta last week, with France retiring before the start of the match due to an issue with the boat.
Emirates Team New Zealand were back in action on day three of the Louis Vuitton Cup. Photo / Ian Roman, America's Cup
They were able to get back in action for their second appointment of the day, against American Magic, in what turned into a tactical battle at the start as both teams were wary of falling off their foils.
The Americans got the better of it, but there were promising signs for Orient Express as they made a big dent in the margin before ultimately being unable to keep the boat on its foils when rounding the downwind gate for the second time. American Magic sailed to a comfortable win, with the French not finishing the race.
In other races, regatta leaders Ineos Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli went head-to-head for the first time since the races that matter began, with the Italians showing why many have suggested them as the team the other challengers are going to have to beat to earn a place in the Cup match.
It was Luna Rossa’s second race of the day, after they beat American Magic. They have clearly designed a strong package, and their sailing performance has been almost faultless so far.
At the other end of the ladder, Alinghi remain without a win after three days of racing as they were comfortably beaten by Ineos Britannia in the third race.
Day three results
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Italy) beat American Magic (US) by 24sec
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZ) beat Orient Express Racing Team (France) by retirement
Ineos Britannia (UK) beat Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Switzerland) by 1min25sec
American Magic beat Orient Express Racing Team, who did not finish
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli beat Ineos Britannia by 1min24sec
