Barcelona’s harbour was alive with tension and high-speed action today as INEOS Britannia edged closer to securing the Louis Vuitton Cup, putting them just one win away from facing New Zealand for the 2024 America’s Cup. In a day filled with adrenaline-pumping moments, the British team, skippered by Sir Ben Ainslie, managed to claim victory in the first race of the day, pulling ahead of their Italian rivals, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, led by the ever-formidable Jimmy Spithill.
With both teams giving it their all, the leaderboard going into today’s race was tight—5 wins for INEOS Britannia and 4 for Luna Rossa. It was clear from the start that this would be another nail-biting contest. The conditions were perfect for high-speed racing, with winds averaging 16 knots and gusts up to 23 knots, ideal for the AC75 foiling boats.
From the moment the boats crossed the start line, both teams were neck and neck. Luna Rossa, however, made an early misstep, losing control of their rudder, allowing INEOS to take a slight advantage. Although the Italian team recovered quickly, the damage was done—INEOS had secured the lead.
Throughout the race, the teams engaged in a tactical battle, tacking and turning with precision, as Luna Rossa tried to close the gap. Despite their best efforts, INEOS managed to keep extending their lead, thanks to superior handling in the choppier waters and strong winds. By the time they reached the first gate, INEOS had a small but meaningful advantage, crossing just 3 seconds ahead of Luna Rossa.
As the race wore on, it became clear that Luna Rossa was struggling to keep pace with the British team. The swells—measuring over a metre—played into INEOS’ strengths, while the Italians, who typically excel in lighter winds, couldn’t quite match their speed. Even with a larger jib fitted between races, Luna Rossa couldn’t claw back enough ground.
The lead fluctuated throughout the race, with Luna Rossa closing the gap to just 80 metres at one point. However, INEOS’ dominance in the higher wind conditions shone through, and their strategic manoeuvres at key moments allowed them to maintain control. By the time they rounded the fifth gate, INEOS was over 220 metres ahead, and despite a brief rudder issue, the British team held their composure.
With the final leg in sight, Luna Rossa gave it everything they had, closing the gap slightly, but INEOS, maintaining their impressive 38-knot speed, crossed the finish line at 27 minutes and 9 seconds. Luna Rossa followed just 8 seconds later, but by then, the outcome was all but certain.
Today’s victory brings INEOS Britannia to 6 wins in the Finals series, with Luna Rossa trailing at 4. It was a hard-fought race, and while the Italians remain a fierce competitor, INEOS now has the upper hand. With a rest day tomorrow, the teams will return to the water on Friday for what could be the final race of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
If INEOS wins again, they’ll secure their place in the America’s Cup against Team New Zealand. For now, it’s game and set to the Brits. Can they make it match point on Friday?
The world will be watching.
