The long-anticipated Puig Women’s America’s Cup kicked off today in spectacular fashion, as Great Britain dominated the first race of the series in Barcelona’s challenging waters. With 12 teams from across the globe vying for victory, it was the British who soared to an emphatic win, leaving their rivals far behind.
The event, which sees six America’s Cup teams and six invited crews split into two groups, is the first of its kind. The excitement in the air was palpable as the sleek AC40 foiling boats lined up for the first race of Group A. New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain, and the USA were all eager to make their mark.
Right from the start, it was clear this would be a race for the history books. New Zealand shot off the line in the lead, but Great Britain was hot on their heels, only a few metres behind. As the boats sped up the first leg, the competition intensified. Despite a swell of 40cm, all teams were foiling smoothly at speeds in the low 20s (knots), with positions changing almost by the second.
Midway through the leg, Italy surged ahead of New Zealand, briefly holding second place before disaster struck. At the first gate, Luna Rossa faltered, falling off their foils in a critical error that cost them dearly. New Zealand, the USA, and Switzerland all took advantage, sweeping past the Italians, while Great Britain powered on, establishing an impressive lead.
By the second gate, Great Britain was in full control, rounding the mark nearly a minute ahead of their nearest competitor, New Zealand. Their flawless manoeuvres were a masterclass in sailing, as they built an unassailable lead. The Kiwis, although steady, couldn’t quite match the pace, and the Swiss, USA, and Italy lagged further behind.
Coming into the final stretch, Great Britain was well ahead, flying down the last leg at an incredible 32 knots. With the finish line in sight, the British team capped off their performance with a dramatic celebration, crossing the line in style before playfully crashing down in a “wheelie-like” move.
New Zealand crossed the line over a minute later, securing second place. Switzerland took third, two minutes behind the Kiwis, while Italy, the USA, and France followed much further back. The gap between the top three and the rest was undeniable, showing that while Great Britain and New Zealand have set the pace, the others will need to make serious improvements in the coming races.
The race highlighted the skill required to handle the AC40s in tricky conditions. The 40cm swell put crews to the test, and those who faltered—like Luna Rossa—paid the price.
With the first race of the Women’s America’s Cup now complete, attention turns to the next race. Can anyone catch the British juggernaut? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this historic competition is off to a thrilling start.
At the end of the first race, before the second race was due to start, USA plays their 5-minute delay card – they had problems with their avionics and some technical repairs are quickly underway.
