Race 1: Alinghi Red Bull Racing was Disqualified for being outside the racing zone 2 minutes before the race.

Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand Exhibit Sportsmanship in Unconventional Regatta Race

In an unexpected twist at today’s regatta, Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) took to the water for a race that, due to Alinghi’s disqualification for not being in the race zone sufficient time before the race, was only for pride. As the challenger series race involved New Zealand, there was already no point value attached to the race – but was to allow Alinghi and Emirates to ‘feel’ each other on the water.
Alinghi Red Bull had an issue with their mainsail runner – the sail on a yacht is attached to the mast by a runner to raise and lower the sail, it appeared to have given way. A quick fix (any yachts-person has been here before) but the delay in getting onto the course caused Alinghi to be disqualified while en route.

Despite the official disqualification, both teams made their way to the start line and the race began. For this reporter, a fantastic show of sportsmanship on both sides of this competition.

The race began with a looming question: Would there be enough wind to push the AC75’s? Recent days have seen insufficient wind, leading to the cancellation of several matches. Thankfully, conditions improved enough to allow the race to proceed, much to the relief of both viewers and teams. For the first race, the wind maintained at around 12kn – in the middle of the forecasted range of wind.

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Alinghi, the Swiss challenger, had struggled throughout the Challenger series, losing all their races to date. Today’s race was initially set to be a competitive fixture, but the Swiss team was disqualified for being outside the designated race zone, a rule that requires boats to be within the area at least two minutes before the start. Despite this, both Alinghi and ETNZ decided to continue, turning the race into a high-profile practice session rather than a contest.

ETNZ’s superiority was evident from the start. By the time they rounded the first gate at 3:10, they were already well ahead, with Alinghi trailing 13 seconds behind. This early lead set the stage for the remainder of the race. As ETNZ approached the second gate, their advantage had grown to 200m, completing the gate at 5:59. Alinghi, pushing hard, passed the gate 18 seconds later, demonstrating a mix of determination and a desire to test their capabilities.
Alinghi, although disqualified, was determined to use the opportunity to practice and measure their performance against the current holders of the America’s Cup. The Swiss team, despite being reminded by the umpire of their disqualification, pressed on with determination, treating the race as a valuable training exercise.

The third leg saw both teams speeding down the course, but ETNZ’s pace and strategy continued to shine. By the time they reached the third gate at 9:39, they were sailing at an impressive 42 knots, with Alinghi trailing 42 seconds behind. The Kiwis’ lead had expanded to 500m, underscoring their superior performance and tactical execution.

Despite the disqualification, the Swiss team’s resolve was admirable. They continued to race with commitment, even though the outcome was irrelevant to the points standings. As ETNZ reached the fourth gate, their lead had swelled to 700m. Demonstrating their control and strategic acumen, the Kiwis chose to end the race early, not even rounding the 4th gate – the final two legs abandoned. Their decision to halt the race was likely influenced by the lack of competitive pressure and the practical need to prepare for their upcoming match against American Magic later in the day.

The race, while lacking competitive tension due to the disqualification, provided a valuable opportunity for both teams. ETNZ gained further practice, reinforcing their preparations for future challenges, while Alinghi had a chance to refine their performance and gain insights into their competition.

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Ultimately, today’s race was a celebration of the true spirit of sailing—sportsmanship, respect, and the pursuit of excellence. Despite the technicalities of disqualification, both teams showcased their commitment to the sport and to each other, delivering a memorable display of camaraderie and competitive zeal.