Leaderboard: Emirates Team New Zealand 5 WINS INEOS Britannia 2 WINS
In a spectacular display of skill and speed, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) clinched victory in Race 7 of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Final, demonstrating their resilience after a challenging previous race. With the sun peeking through the clouds and winds blowing between 10 to 14 knots, race day conditions shaped up to be more favourable than anticipated.
Despite initial weather forecasts predicting rain and calm, the swell remained manageable at just one metre. This allowed the high-tech AC75s to soar on their foils, creating an exhilarating spectacle as the kiwis darted around the start zone at speeds ranging from 25 to 40 knots.
As the race commenced, it was clear that both teams were vying for the lead. ETNZ appeared slightly late to the starting line, allowing INEOS Britannia to seize the early advantage. Yet, it didn’t take long for the kiwis to show their mettle, snatching the lead within 500 metres and forcing the Brits to navigate in their turbulent wake.
The tactical battle intensified as ETNZ opted for the stronger right side of the course while INEOS headed left. This decision paid off as the kiwis stretched their lead to 240 metres, using their superior wind management skills to gain a significant advantage.
Reaching the first gate at a blistering 48 knots, ETNZ crossed with a time of 3 minutes and 54 seconds, followed closely by INEOS, who rounded just 12 seconds later. The kiwis maintained their momentum, further extending their lead to nearly 300 metres on the downwind leg, where they demonstrated remarkable speed and control.
Halfway through the race, ETNZ rounded the second gate at 12 minutes, with INEOS trailing by 24 seconds. As they tackled the upwind leg, the kiwis’ technical prowess shone through, increasing their lead to an impressive 450 metres. ETNZ’s communication and strategy were on point, allowing them to navigate the tricky conditions smoothly.
As the race progressed, the gap only widened. By the time ETNZ approached the fourth gate, they clocked in at 16 minutes and 8 seconds, while INEOS trailed by 29 seconds. On the final leg, ETNZ continued to push the boundaries, reaching an astounding lead of 1 kilometre.
Crossing the finish line at 24 minutes and 49 seconds, ETNZ not only secured their victory but delivered a masterclass in America’s Cup racing. INEOS arrived a minute and 13 seconds later, highlighting the kiwis’ impressive performance.
With this win, the leaderboard now stands at five victories for Emirates Team New Zealand and two for INEOS Britannia. The kiwis have undoubtedly bounced back from their previous struggles, showing that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with.
