INEOS Britannia Grabs Challenger Lead in Dramatic Race-Off against Italy, French Hopes Dashed in Final Showdown
In a day filled with tiebreakers and emotional exits, the Louis Vuitton Cup's Round Robin stage ended dramatically. INEOS Britannia, the Challenger of Record, secured the top Challenger position after a high-stakes race against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, while Orient Express Racing Team from France bowed out with grace following their loss to the British.
INEOS Britannia Clinch the Lead with Precision
From the moment racing began, INEOS Britannia, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, was on fire. Facing off against the French, the British team pulled ahead decisively. Orient Express Racing fought back late, but the British crossed the finish line with a commanding 71-second lead, securing their position at the top of the Challenger standings.
Ben Ainslie, elated after the race, said:
“It feels like we’ve got some really good momentum and I'm delighted for the whole team again - not just us as sailors but the shore team, the designers and engineers, both here and back in the UK – so a big day for the team.”
Orient Express Racing Team Exits With Optimism
Despite their defeat, France’s Orient Express Racing Team departed with heads held high. Skipper Quentin Delapierre reflected on the campaign, acknowledging the need for improvement but remaining positive:
“I do think that what we built together with the sponsors and with the whole of the team is getting stronger and stronger... But if we come back, we will need to come back stronger and faster... We were in the mix, so it is an achievement but not enough. Hopefully we will be back.”
Co-Chief Executive Bruno Dubois echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the future potential of the team: “I think overall we have done a good job... We have the base, we have the boat, so we are not starting from zero.”
Alinghi Red Bull Racing Secure Semi-final Spot After Luna Rossa Disqualification
With France’s exit, Alinghi Red Bull Racing from Switzerland secured their spot in the semi-finals after Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli was disqualified due to a technical issue. Luna Rossa’s starboard board malfunction forced them outside the race boundary, leaving the Swiss with an unexpected but welcome victory.
Reflecting on their advancement, Alinghi co-General Manager Silvio Arrivabene said:
“It’s certainly a relief... we have five days away, new weather conditions, and perhaps some improvements on the boat... It’s a relief but we’re looking ahead, very focused but very energized.”
Emirates Team New Zealand Dominate American Magic
In the day’s other headline race, Emirates Team New Zealand easily outpaced NYYC American Magic. After falling off the foils twice, the American team fell far behind, and New Zealand cruised to a 2-minute and 37-second victory.
Kiwis’ port helmsman Nathan Outteridge teased the competition about their upcoming innovations:
“Hopefully you won’t be able to spot the difference, but yes, now we've got some upgrades coming to the boat... Hopefully there is a bit of performance still on the table.”
For American Magic, it was a tough loss. Skipper Terry Hutchinson remained pragmatic:
“We have to sail within ourselves, race within ourselves, and identify the times we're doing things well and conversely when we're not.”
Britain’s Show of Force in the Race-Off
The much-anticipated race-off between INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the top Challenger spot lived up to the hype. In challenging, marginal wind conditions, Ainslie’s team executed a flawless start, gaining control early and extending their lead throughout. It was their second victory over Luna Rossa, cementing their status as the team to beat heading into the semi-finals.
Reflecting on their win, Ainslie said: “To up the performance in the lighter stuff is an area where we've been struggling a little bit... The team have been doing a really good job trying to figure that out... It feels like we’ve got some really good momentum.”
Farewell to the French: Competitors Pay Tribute
The departure of Orient Express Racing Team didn’t go unnoticed. Competitors lauded their impressive campaign despite the challenges. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli helmsman Francesco Bruni remarked: “I am super sorry for them because they did a late campaign in a very good way... I’m really hoping to see them back again.”
Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling added: “It’s incredibly sad to lose the French today... It’s a reminder of ‘sport’ when you see a really good team like them getting knocked out early.”
American Magic skipper Tom Slingsby offered praise, with a competitive edge: “The French have been amazing... from a competitive standpoint I’m happy they're eliminated now, because of their projection... they were improving so quickly.”
What’s Next? Semi-Final Showdown Awaits
Now that the Round Robin stage has concluded, INEOS Britannia holds all the cards. As the top Challenger, they can choose both their semi-final opponent and their preferred side of entry for the first race. Whether they pick the Italians, Americans, or Swiss, one thing is certain—fans are in for a thrilling semi-final series where the first to five wins will secure a spot in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final.
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