Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
HomeAmerica's CupAC37LOUIS VUITTON PRELIMINARY REGATTA: Emirates Team New Zealand Takes The Win

LOUIS VUITTON PRELIMINARY REGATTA: Emirates Team New Zealand Takes The Win

Published
Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

New Zealand Secures Victory in Penalty-Ridden Preliminary Regatta

In a dramatic and penalty-laden preliminary regatta, Team New Zealand emerged victorious, overcoming numerous challenges and a spirited effort from Italy. The race, marked by strategic manoeuvres and a series of penalties, showcased New Zealand’s resilience and tactical prowess.

Final Race Of The Regatta With New Zealand Crossing The Starting Line First
Final Race Of The Regatta With New Zealand Crossing The Starting Line First

The race commenced with New Zealand taking an early lead. Italy faced a 75-metre penalty for coming too close to Team New Zealand. This placed Italy on the back foot from the start. By the time the boats approached the first gate, New Zealand was already firmly in control.

Watch the full final here Video Credit: AC37 media

New Zealand navigated the first gate with a commanding lead, while Italy crossed 22 seconds behind. As they emerged from the gate, Italy trailed by 400 metres. Despite their disadvantage, Italy fought hard to close the gap. However, New Zealand continued to dominate, retaining their slightly diminished lead (to 300 metres) as they approached the top gate.

Kiwis Round The Gate Ahead Of Luna Rossa
Kiwis Round The Gate Ahead Of Luna Rossa Picture Credit: AC37 media

At the top gate, New Zealand was 16 seconds ahead of Italy. They continued to maintain a strong position, leading by 200 metres as they headed towards the next gate. New Zealand rounded the top gate effortlessly, with Italy trailing 19 seconds behind.

Italy’s Luna Rossa closed the gap even further once they’d passing the bottom gate. Although Luna Rossa made progress, New Zealand’s lead remained substantial. By Leg 4, as the Luna Rossa team tried its hardest to reduce the gap, the New Zealand team continued to extend its advantage, leading by approximately 150 metres as they navigated the bend.

- Advertisement -
New Zealand Wins The Regatta
New Zealand Wins The Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta Photo Credit: AC37 media

Coming from behind Italy impressively, although only briefly, took the lead by a narrow margin of six metres. However, their advantage was short-lived as they were penalised for sailing too close to New Zealand during a tack. This penalty was followed by another Italian infraction.

New Zealand regained its lead and extended it to 130 metres as they approached the finish line. Italy, grappling with multiple penalties, struggled to keep up. In the end, New Zealand crossed the line first, winning the preliminary regatta. Luna Rossa finished 34 seconds behind, capping off a challenging race.

August 25, 2024. Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta, Race Day 4. LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM, EMIRATES TEAM NEW ZEALAND Picture Credit: AC37 media

This preliminary regatta highlighted New Zealand’s ability to maintain their composure and lead despite the penalties, while Italy’s performance was hampered by a series of infractions. New Zealand’s victory sets a strong precedent as they advance in the competition, proving their capability under pressure.

SHARE:

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Boating New Zealand
Boating New Zealandhttps://www.boatingnz.co.nz
Boating NZ is New Zealand’s premier marine title devoted to putting its readers behind the wheel of the latest trailerboats, yachts and launches to hit the market. It inspires with practical content and cruising adventures, leads the fleet with its racing coverage and is on the pulse of the latest maritime news and innovation.

Latest news