Emirates Team NZ win on day one

The Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Chicago got off to a confusing start today with conditions for the majority of the day more suitable for relaxing on the waters of Lake Michigan rather than full-fledged fighting it out on foiling AC45's.

The official race window came and went without enough wind to warrant a hoisted headsail.


Emirates Team New Zealand in action. Photo: Supplied.

So Friday's ‘substitute race' result was implemented meaning overall series leader Emirates Team New Zealand placed 4th ahead of close rivals Land Rover BAR and Oracle Team USA.

'There was an amazing crowd and spectator boats as far as the eye could see, so everyone was up for action other than the wind gods,” says tactician Ray Davies.

'We were eager to race, having had such great racing yesterday, but conditions just didn't allow it…. initially.”

Late in the afternoon a perfect breeze emerged from the city and built to allow the race committee an opportunity to start a race which will only be used as a substitute race for the final day on Sunday (US time).

Iif the wind conditions are not suitable for racing at the scheduled start time of the first race tomorrow it will be broadcast and count as a double point race.

To put it simply- Emirates Team New Zealand won the only race which was actually sailed on Saturday, but it may not count for anything if three races are sailed tomorrow.

'It was a long hot day waiting on the water for the guys. So when the opportunity came for a race our guys switched into gear fantastically.” says skipper Glenn Ashby

'Pete did a great job at the start, we have a good lead at the first mark then it was just up to us to pick the shifts well to keep out in front.”

Which is precisely what the kiwi team did, playing the shifts and extending its lead around the track before popping up on the foils to cross the finish line and giving the large Navy Pier crowd something to cheer for.

It remains to be seen if the result will count- that all depends on tomorrow's conditions.

Tomorrow's ‘Super Sunday' is scheduled for three double point's fleet races, which will decide the winner of Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Chicago.

RESULTS OF RACE 1 (Sailed on Friday)

  • SoftBank Team Japan (10 Points)
  • Artemis Racing (9 Points)
  • Groupama Team France (8 Points)
  • Emirates Team New Zealand (7 Points)
  • Land Rover BAR (6 Points)
  • Oracle Team USA (5 Points)

OVERALL WORLD SERIES STANDINGS

  • Emirates Team New Zealand: 251 points
  • Oracle Team USA: 241 Points
  • Land Rover BAR: 233 Points
  • SoftBank Team Japan: 213 Points
  • Artemis Racing: 210 Points
  • Groupama Team France: 202 Points

You may also like....

2 comments

Not a real sport?

Posted on 12-06-2016 19:02 | By BullShtAlert

More a business to make certain people very rich? Even worse, it seems our taxpayers are forced to top those riches up? As for worldwide interest it barely rates a mention I think.


haters gonna hate

Posted on 13-06-2016 07:49 | By Petrolhead

Not sure why people pick on top level sailing, all top level sports have things in common be it golf, rugby, basketball, motorsport, soccer, boxing, darts etc. They all have arguably overpaid individuals, agents and promoters getting rich and the occasional tantrum prone superstar. NZ Govt pour plenty of money into sport at all levels, from grass roots to Olympics to supporting world stage professional teams - which I think is great. This is just another NZ sporting success story, I am happy celebrating that for what it is.


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.