New Zealand has established a dominant 3-0 lead in the America’s Cup series against Britain, increasing the challenges for the British team as they seek their first victory in the prestigious event.
The scheduled fourth race on Sunday was canceled due to insufficient wind, with speeds failing to reach the minimum requirement of 6.5 knots. This race is set to take place on Monday, provided weather conditions permit. The series will continue with a two-race schedule on Wednesday.
The British team, Ineos Britannia, may view the cancellation of the second race as a silver lining after New Zealand’s overwhelming performance in the first three races. The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo characterized New Zealand’s dominance as “almost insulting.”
On the second day of competition, race three mirrored the outcomes of the previous races. With a light north-easterly wind of 7-10 knots on a fine day, Emirates Team New Zealand executed an aggressive start, quickly establishing a comfortable lead. Early in the race, the two boats nearly collided at the starting line, leading to a 75-meter penalty for the British team for failing to keep clear.
By the end of the first leg, New Zealand had extended its lead to 150 meters, which grew to 400 meters by the fourth leg. Ultimately, they crossed the finish line with over 600 meters of clear water, finishing 52 seconds ahead of Ineos Britannia while leading at every stage of the race. The New Zealand team displayed superior acceleration at each turning point.
Following the race, New Zealand’s captain, Peter Burling, commented on the starting maneuver, stating that the team had been “working on little bits and pieces.” He noted, “It was uncomfortable how close the boats got, but it was great to finally execute it in a race and make it count.”
Ray Davies, the New Zealand coach, echoed Burling’s sentiments, describing the maneuver as an “awesome moment” that the team had practiced extensively. He remarked, “It was great to see a bit of match racing creeping in,” referring to the tactical elements of the sport. British captain Ben Ainslie acknowledged the penalty at the start as a tough call but accepted the umpires’ decision.
Despite the perceived technical parity between the British and New Zealand boats, the performances so far suggest a notable difference in driving skill, with New Zealand appearing stronger.
“We’re under no illusions,” Burling stated. “They’re an amazing team, and they’re going to put together a hell of a fight, so we’re expecting a battle every race, but we’re definitely up for it.”
While the sailing competition has been ongoing for two months, enthusiasm among the local population in Barcelona has been slow to build. However, interest appears to be rising, as evidenced by the packed fan zones on Sunday, where New Zealand supporters significantly outnumbered British fans. Many donned the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) shirts, and numerous boats surrounded the race area to allow fans a closer look at the action.
Despite the growing excitement, opposition to the America’s Cup being held in Barcelona persists. Two hours before Sunday’s race, approximately 10,000 protesters, organized by the “No to the America’s Cup” campaign, gathered to voice their discontent. The campaign is backed by around 140 local and community organizations.
Protesters argue that hosting such high-profile events primarily benefits the wealthy and exacerbates housing costs, making it increasingly difficult for residents to afford their homes. They are also pursuing a case with the anti-fraud office, alleging that organizers misrepresented the economic benefits of hosting the event.
Although the competition could extend for another week, the British team must improve their performance to avoid a potentially humiliating 7-0 defeat. Ainslie remains steadfast, stating, “We know there’s a long way to go in this competition; we just keep pushing hard,” reflecting the challenges his team has faced over the past two days.
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