Emirates Team New Zealand have successfully defended the America’s Cup, comprehensively beating Ineos Britannia by 7-2 in Barcelona to become the first team in modern history to win three in a row.
Peter Burling, Nathan Outteridge and the rest of the Kiwi crew won the slightly delayed Race 9 on Saturday, to retain the Auld Mug with four races to spare.
It means the America’s Cup remains with New Zealand, who have held the title since they beat Team USA in Bermuda in 2017. The Kiwis also defeated the Italian boat Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in 2021.
The wait for a first British win in the America’s Cup continues, with Ben Ainslie’s crew left disappointed after failing to take the regatta into a seventh day of racing.
Although Ainslie has won the America’s Cup as part of Team USA back in 2013, he was hoping to end the British drought in the competition. Instead, he will have to go back to the drawing board – and the Olympic sailing great was quick to congratulate his rivals in the wake of the dispiriting defeat.
“Firstly, a huge well done to Team New Zealand, in my view they are the best team ever in the America’s Cup so that is quite some achievement,” Ainslie said.
“And to my team, I can’t thank them enough for all the work they have put in. We had our moments in the finals, but in the end the best team won.”
“We set out ten years ago to win the America’s Cup, we are getting closer and we’ll be even better next time.”
The crew of Emirates Team New Zealand celebrates victory after the race between Emirates Team New Zealand and Team Ineos Britannia in the 37th America’s Cup
Image credit: Getty Images
Race 9 was arguably the most enthralling of the entire competition, with a very even start which saw Ineos Britannia lead across the line, but ultimately ETNZ make it to the mark first. New Zealand had managed to build a lead only to be pegged back by the Brits on the third leg, closing the gap by over 10 seconds.
It was nip and tuck all the way, but the Kiwis were faultless, absorbed all the pressure and crossed the line to take the win – the emotions immediately being unleashed.
“What an amazing feeling. It’s been a tough battle all week, but really proud of how the team have battled all day,” said Kiwi helmsman Peter Burling. “Barcelona has been absolutely amazing, and what an amazing feeling.”
“It’s pretty special,” agreed his co-helmsman Nathan Outteridge. “I’ve loved every minute of it, and great to close it out today.”
ETNZ looked too good almost from the word go, with just one day where Ineos Britannia managed to get the better of their rivals.
Being able to fine-tune their boat while Britannia were still racing hard to even make it to the finals seemed to make a difference, with the Kiwi team racing out to a 4-0 lead at the start of the regatta.
Although Ineos Britannia pegged them back to 4-2, the Kiwis bounced back strongly to win the last four races to take the overall victory. Their winning margins were 41s, 27s, 52s, 23s, 1m 13s, 55s and 37s.
Dethroning the Kiwis next time around will be difficult, given the America’s Cup allows the defenders to choose the location and set some of the rules for the next contest – but for now, Ineos Britannia will be left licking their wounds after being unable to take the fight to their opponents in the fashion they would have hoped.
But as Ainslie said, he is getting closer each time to bringing home the Auld Mug in a British boat – and he can never be discounted, even if today belonged to a very special New Zealand boat.
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Publish date : 2024-10-19 02:58:00
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