The race kicked off with a fierce battle at the start, as Sweden, the Netherlands, and Australia were neck and neck out of the gate. With everything on the line, the intensity was palpable. Both Sweden and the Netherlands traded leads multiple times down the first leg, keeping the crowd at the edge of their seats.
As they approached the first gate, the Dutch edged slightly ahead, crossing through at 2:51, closely followed by Sweden. Spain, Germany, and Australia lagged behind in a race that would ultimately seal the fate of their campaigns.
The Dutch looked to extend their lead as they sped down the second leg, opening a gap of 70 metres over Sweden. But, in a dramatic twist, their foils dipped into the water slightly, costing them valuable time. Even so, they managed to scrape through gate 2 still in the lead at 5:06, with Sweden hot on their heels. Meanwhile, Spain began to mount a challenge for that coveted semi-final spot, while Germany faltered with a drop off their foils.
By the third leg, the Dutch regained some control, stretching their lead to 100 metres over Sweden. However, the real contest was brewing between Spain and Australia, both vying for the last spot in the semi-finals.
Just when it seemed like the Dutch would cruise to victory, Sweden surged ahead, proving why they’ve been such a dominant force in Group B. Going into the final leg, they took a narrow lead, passing through gate 3 at 8:26—just three seconds ahead of the Dutch.
As leg 4 began, Sweden turned on the afterburners, extending their lead to an insurmountable 300 metres. They crossed the finish line in a commanding time of 10:12, a full 23 seconds ahead of the Netherlands, with Spain following behind to clinch the third semi-final spot.
With this victory, Sweden not only advanced to the semi-finals but also cemented their status as the standout performers of Group B. Their precise sailing and strategic brilliance were on full display, making them a team to watch in the upcoming races.
For Germany and Australia, it was the end of the road. Both teams faced tough competition and struggled to keep pace in this challenging group. The Canadians had already been eliminated earlier, and with today’s results, their hopes were extinguished too.
As the Puig Women’s America’s Cup moves forward, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Spain will undoubtedly bring their A-game to the semi-finals. Stay tuned as the action heats up on the water.
