The tension in Barcelona was palpable as Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) took a decisive win in the first race of the 37th America’s Cup finals against the UK’s INEOS Britannia. Racing under the cloak of night, at 1:50 AM New Zealand time, the two teams set sail with both history and national pride on the line.
New Zealand, looking to extend their winning streak to a third consecutive America’s Cup, was quick off the mark, claiming an early lead in the first leg. The UK, chasing their first win in 60 years, had their work cut out for them from the get-go, falling behind by 150 metres halfway through leg one.
Despite the close match-up, with both boats at times locked in similar speeds, ETNZ capitalised on their start and strategic prowess. As they rounded Gate 1, their lead was solidified, crossing 24 seconds ahead of their British rivals. The scene was set—New Zealand had control, but Britannia wasn’t giving up easily.
The race was not without its challenges. A significant 0.8-metre swell tested both teams, complicating their ability to foil—one of the most critical manoeuvres for maintaining speed in modern sailing. Foiling, where the boats lift above the water on hydrofoils, can be severely hampered by large swells, and today’s conditions promised a race full of tactical decisions.
As the boats approached Gate 2, ETNZ applied pressure by forcing the UK into “dirty wind,” slowing their rivals down by several knots. This tactical advantage allowed the Kiwis to maintain a healthy gap, crossing Gate 2 at 7:36, with the UK following 16 seconds later—an improvement on the first leg, but still not enough to mount a real challenge.
Halfway through the race, as the competitors entered leg three, the UK’s hopes of closing the gap started to dwindle. While they briefly reduced the margin to just 150 metres, ETNZ swiftly retaliated, stretching their lead back to 250 metres, again using their superior positioning to disrupt the UK’s speed. Gate 3 saw ETNZ pull further ahead, with the British losing an additional 10 seconds.
By the time the boats reached the final leg, it was all but over. ETNZ was a staggering 650 metres ahead, cruising to the finish line with confidence. The British crossed 41 seconds later, showing grit but ultimately falling short of the clinical execution New Zealand displayed. ETNZ completed the race in 27 minutes and one second—marking their first victory of the finals and cementing their dominance.
For New Zealand fans, this win offers a glimpse of what could be a triumphant series. The team, already a force to be reckoned with, is now eyeing a third consecutive title, adding yet another chapter to their storied legacy. For the UK, it’s back to the drawing board. To win this prestigious cup, they’ll need more than just a strong race—they’ll need to overcome a well-oiled machine that is Emirates Team New Zealand.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on whether New Zealand can continue their winning streak or if the UK can rally and break their 60-year drought. One thing is clear: the fight for the America’s Cup is far from over.
