INEOS Britannia Takes Down Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli 7-4
In a nail-biting final on the waters of Barcelona, INEOS Britannia clinched victory over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli with a 7-4 win, securing their spot in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match against Emirates Team New Zealand, starting October 12.
For the first time in over 60 years, a British yacht will challenge for the America’s Cup, and INEOS Britannia's triumph over the seasoned Luna Rossa crew was nothing short of monumental. The final scoreline doesn’t reveal just how fierce the competition was, with the two teams neck-and-neck across the first eight races before INEOS Britannia surged ahead to win three consecutive.
"It’s a huge moment for the team and we knew we were always going to be in for a massive battle against Luna Rossa – so hats off to them, they have been incredible competitors. To get to this point has taken 10 years of hard work so I am incredibly proud of the team."
BEN AINSLIE
Today’s decider was a fitting conclusion to a high-stakes, week-long contest. Barcelona’s clear autumn skies and 12-15 knots of breeze created ideal conditions for the high-speed AC75 foiling monohulls. As the race began, the British crew, entering from the port side, executed a flawless start, and although Luna Rossa mounted multiple attacks, INEOS Britannia never relinquished their lead.
"We have a long relationship with Luna Rossa – with Mr Bertelli, Max, Jimmy, Checco and the rest of the team – and there is a huge amount of respect there. They have been amazing competitors and they have a huge history in the Cup. I am sure that this is just one chapter in an ongoing battle between our two teams. For now, all I can say is thanks for the competition."
BEN AINSLIE
"I just want to say well done to INEOS Britannia, to Ben and his team, just an awesome effort. They started that team I think a decade ago, and to bounce back and win having got so close last time when we knocked them out, and then today they were the better team. I thought we had a great boat and it's difficult to really put into words, but all I can do is just thank all of my teammates and clearly congratulate the team for doing such an awesome job."
JIMMY SPITHILL
The Italians fought hard, closing in several times, but strategic tacks and relentless defense from the British kept them at bay. On the final upwind leg, a bold move from Luna Rossa failed to pay off, as INEOS Britannia found the wind they needed and surged ahead, crossing the finish line 17 seconds ahead—an eternity in match racing.
"Every day you come in irrespective of how the day’s gone before, they're all there, everyone's just so positive, first ones there but the last ones to leave. We had multiple times that they all had to work through the night just to allow us to go out there and compete. You've got to be motivated to be in this game, but when you have teammates like that, doing what they do to give the athlete a shot out there, it’s incredible. So just thank you to everyone."
JIMMY SPITHILL
Scenes of jubilation followed as Sir Ben Ainslie and his crew lifted the Louis Vuitton Cup, marking a long-awaited return to glory for British sailing. Now, all eyes turn to the America's Cup itself, where INEOS Britannia will face the formidable Emirates Team New Zealand in a battle for the ultimate prize in sailing. The fight isn’t over yet; it’s just begun.
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