After several days of racing and several abandoned races due to wind conditions, Emirates Team New Zealand is just one victory away from keeping the America’s Cup for another cycle. They’re leading six to three in a first-to-seven series.
Though down three points, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has been sailing clean, tactical races. Its boat seems to both point higher and does better in light air than the Kiwis’ boat. However, Emirates Team New Zealand has typically maintained slightly higher boat speeds. Neither boat has a strong advantage in the conditions they’ve been sailing in, but one thing that’s certain is that coming off the foils is a kiss of death for both designs.
Even though Emirates Team New Zealand is poised for a homecourt win, it’s not over until it’s over. Cup fans will remember the 2013 America’s Cup during which the Kiwi team was up by eight points to one in a first-to-nine series, only to have Jimmy Spithill claw his way to victory with eight consecutive wins. This time the odds aren’t stacked nearly as high for Spithill, who now sails for the Italians. But last time the Kiwis didn’t have the superhuman pair of helmsman Peter Burling and flight controller Blair Tuke either. Only time will tell which America’s Cup giant will win out.
For more, visit americascup.com
March 2021
