Leaderboard: Emirates Team New Zealand 6 WINS INEOS Britannia 2 WINS
Its Match Point Tomorrow – The Kiwis Need One Win To Take The America’s Cup 2024!
In a thrilling showdown on the water, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) showcased their prowess once again, defeating INEOS Britannia in Race 8 of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Final. With this win, the kiwis are now just one race away from securing the Cup, leading the scoreboard with 6 victories against INEOS’s 2.
Following a dramatic loss in Race 7, the British team came into this race highly motivated, knowing that a win was essential to keep their hopes alive. As the teams lined up for the start, both boats crossed the line almost simultaneously, but the kiwis quickly gained an edge, extending their lead to 30 metres.
Strategically, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) made a crucial decision to chase the wind by heading left while INEOS opted for the right. This gamble paid off, as ETNZ sailed ahead, creating a significant gap of 130 metres by the halfway point of the first leg. Despite a valiant effort, INEOS struggled to keep pace, trailing behind as the Kiwi’s made their way to the first gate, rounding it at 3 minutes and 34 seconds—15 seconds ahead of INEOS.
On the downwind leg, the kiwis exhibited impressive speed, reaching up to 44 knots. A costly error by INEOS—popping their rudder out of the water—resulted in a loss of speed, allowing ETNZ to extend their lead to 460 metres. By the time they rounded the fourth gate at 6 minutes and 36 seconds, INEOS was left trailing 35 seconds behind.
As the race continued, the gap widened. Halfway up the third leg, ETNZ expertly manoeuvred through the middle of the course, rounding the third gate at 10 minutes and 32 seconds, while INEOS followed, arriving 41 seconds later. Even as the kiwis slowed down on the upwind leg, their choice of sails gave them a distinct advantage, maintaining a lead of 700 metres.
Rounding the fifth gate at 17 minutes and 31 seconds, ETNZ showcased their exceptional sailing skills. As they headed towards the sixth gate, their speed hit 45 knots, further solidifying their dominance. Despite INEOS attempting to close the gap, a suspected minor damage to their rudder limited their performance.
Crossing the finish line at 26 minutes and 37 seconds, ETNZ secured another convincing victory, with INEOS following 55 seconds later. This masterclass in sailing not only highlighted the Kiwis’ tactical brilliance but also set the stage for an exhilarating Match Point showdown tomorrow.
With the current leaderboard reflecting 6 wins for Emirates Team New Zealand and 2 for INEOS Britannia, the pressure is now on for the British team as they face the possibility of elimination. The anticipation builds for what could be the final race of the series.
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